What happens when you need help and no one is available?

[fskye]

So I was the nurse put on probation for being too "anxious". I was nervous that I would need to do stat tasks that I didn't know how to do. I was told "you're never alone" and "you can always ask for help." So I got off orientation but found my concerns justified. Even on nights, my pager is constantly going off for pain meds, doctors calling, beeping IVs, critical labs, infiltrated IVs, bed alarms and stat orders.

So I get chastised by the doctor because the K got started 30 minutes late because I couldn't get an IV in. And the patient complains that I didn't give him his Dilaudid for 20 minutes because I'm gowned up and struggling to change a dumping ostomy. And the oncoming nurse chastises me because I forgot to sign off on a PCA. In theory, most people are willing to help, but in reality, they're usually very busy already, running blood or down in radiology giving Ativan or repeatedly dealing with a demented patient because we don't have any sitters. I feel incompetent and can sense their frustration and irritation when I have to ask for help yet again. It's a miserable feeling to be held responsible for things you feel you cannot do in the time required. But I am trying. I'm running all shift and so miserable and so tired I could cry. And I usually do cry during my one pee in 13 hours. I don't cry in front of others because I know I could get in trouble for being "anxious" again.

So. I know I'm going to get better and faster as time goes on if I last that long. But that's not going to be immediate and meanwhile, I'm so stressed I've gone on Metop and two antidepressants.

Is this common? What do you suggest?

[Nurse Leigh]

No great advice, but (hugs) cause I have been there before.

Teamwork is the only way to function sometimes but when the team is all in different rooms or even off the floor that kinda gets difficult.

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

Hugs from me too. The best news I can give you is that:

1. You have choices

2. Every shift ends ( that was my mantra for my entire first and maybe second year. ).

3. You have Allnurses! Hopefully that is good news...

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

2. Every shift ends

Exactly what one of my nurse educators told my group of new grads before we ended the training/lecture portion of orientation. I abide by this rule EVERY shift no matter how bad the shift is. Take a break when you are overwhelmed, take a 5 minuter to get some coffee or clear your mind then get back on track. It sucks to be late on meds or anything in general, but, when it IS late, a few minutes more won't make a difference. Get the important stuff done and finish what you are doing first, then move onto the next. In terms of help, I guess it just depends where you work and your environment and it's unfortunate that your team doesn't seem to have that teamwork that is necessary.

If you have had to start on BP meds and anti-depressants because of the job, that raises red flags and I would seriously consider talking with management of your current work situation.

[ladedah1, BSN, RN]

One pee in 13 hours! I don't pee at all during the shift… I don't think I even know where the bathroom is… lol!

Anyhow, many of us can relate to how frustrated you are feeling. I'm sorry that they've put you on probation for being anxious… that sounds simply ridiculous! What new nurse is not at all anxious? We're ALL anxious! A lot of how we handle it, though, does have a lot to do with how supported we feel… and it doesn't sound like you have the best support system. I love the phrase look up the policy and / or protocol”… which seems to do absolutely no good during a shift when you have to do everything immediately and have virtually no time to read the 4-30 page protocol… but if you have access when you get home, heck, it will certainly ease your worries the next day.

Trial by fire comes with all sorts of stress, but if you turn your irritation into research, you will never make the same mistake twice. Yes, it is much easier when you have truly supportive coworkers and resources at your disposal… but if not, you can still make yourself awesome by not letting criticism defeat you and taking that rough day as motivation to know more. Don't allow this less than desirable environment get to you… and remember, one day when you've got it all down pat, to help that nurse that very much reminds you of yourself :)

Hugs and Lots of luck!!!