Should I quit nursing?

[Anna-s]

Hello,

So I have been working as a nurse on a medical floor for almost 4 weeks now. I am already off orientation( since last week) and I have a full load (5-6 patients). I am truly overwhelmed. I barely take my breaks and I am running around the whole time. I had many near misses and I feel that my co-workers think I am incompetent! I give my report late and I am allover the place when I am doing it. I don't know if I can do this anymore! I did very well at school ( I am a new grad) and now I feel like a total failure! I usually cry after my shift is done and I hate going to work. I only have few helpful co-workers that answer my questions and ask if I need help! The rest are old nurses that have been on the floor for years and are just there to do their job and leave! I am scared to make a mistake, I am scared to fail and I am mostly scared to be a bad nurse!

[Anna-s]

\ said:

I had many professors warn that the entire first year we'd all be going to work just hoping to get through the shift without anyone dying! Sounds morbid I know, but they were realistic in letting us know what we were in for. On that note, I'd say what you're feeling is pretty typical.

Hehehe Yes that's my prayer before each shift "dear God, don't let anyone code on my shift"

[RNikkiF]

Anna-s said:

Thank you veryyyyyy much for the helpful tips!

you're very welcome. No one figures it out right away. I still struggle sometimes myself. So often other nurses are "eating" us young ones. We need to learn from them what not to do. On the other hand though there are many seasoned nurses who are eager to teach us. They are the ones we need to search out. In my experience they are the quiet ones that people often overlook. Good luck to you!