First job...will it get better?

Nurses New Nurse

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I started at my first RN job at a nursing home about 3 weeks ago. I'm on night shift 7p-7:30a. They are being really helpful and giving me an extended orientation time...they usually only give 5-6 days for nurses for training. I have had 8 days so far and at least 4 more still. But I feel so stupid there! I spend so much time passing meds cause there are about 30 residents and a lot of them need a BP taken or blood sugar/ insulin. So it ends up taking way longer than it should! Last night I was passing the HS ones till almost 2 in the morning. I was on a different unit though and their cart wasn't very organized. But I felt like I did horrible cause I struggled so much with it and then I didn't have time for charting stuff like behaviors/pain assessments. My trainer did it. There was also an admission that night and treatments to be done, which she took care of. also feel like I can't even remember simple things that I should know...like what to do in an emergency or something. I don't want to freeze when I'm on my own soon. I'm kind of freaking out at the moment!! Any advice for me?? I'd appreciate it!

Thanks, Aviaa

Specializes in Med-Surg, Infusion.

It will get better I promise. Working in skilled nursing is very overwhelming and something nursing school and clinicals can not prepare you for. I felt like this every night so your not alone. I basically had to accept the fact that everything simply cannot get done, because one nurse can't physically meet the needs of 25+ patients most shifts. I worked 2-10 and was there most nights until at least 11:30 sometimes 1am trying to finish my charting. This is just a stepping stone for you in your career and you will learn a lot and get better and faster, so have no fear. Good luck. :)

aviaa

25 Posts

Thanks so much for the advice... I know this is just my stepping stone, so hopefully I'll get better quickly :)

scoope23

126 Posts

Glad to know it gets better because I'm searching for my first RN job! So exciting!

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