I am currently working my first job as an RN on a med-surg/neurology floor. I graduated August 2012 with a BSN. I've been off orientation for under 3 months.
This morning after completing my night shift my nurse educator told me that my leads said I needed to work on time management and organization. I leave late after every shift because I need to catch up on charting. I can't seem to stay on top of it during the shift. I miss things, doctor's orders, due to my disorganization and changing events that occur throughout the shift.
I start off strong: get to work early and if assignments are made, I write down all of my stuff. But then i forget to check off my checklists, and it all goes down the tubes.
I've tried lists, circling really important tasks, setting alarms on my phone to get things done. But I seem to be easily distracted and forget things unless I do them right away.
My educator now wants me to highlight my 'brain sheets', save them, and show them to her at the end of the week. She also 'suggested' that I sign up for a stress management course the hospital offers.
I had to stop myself from being too honest when she asked if I liked my job (the real answer is 'not really'). I took this job as a way to learn the skills I need to do well in other areas. To get my feet wet, as it were. If I leave this job or get fired, I don't forsee an alternative area that would be a better fit.
I will admit it: I'm ashamed of myself. Others that I graduated with seem to be cruising without effort, wheras I start to get stressed a few hours prior to leaving for work!
I know I'm the problem but my attempts to fix my actions throughout the shift have not garnered much relief.
Any advice or help you guys and gals can offer would be appreciated. I'm at my wit's end.
