[loriann]

Your patient load does seem high. I work on a tele-step down unit and we have 4-5 patients max. Are you doing your own tele monitoring or do you have a tech?

As for getting through, I asked loads of questions and still do. I've only worked on my tele unit for 9 months, but it does get easier and you'll find you will start retaining all sorts of information and just do things second nature after a few months.

Hang in there and take care!

[PatricksRNMommy]

Thanks for all your replies... I have been on my own now since the first week of June and I'm feeling alot better (most days LOL)... I haven't yet had 8 patients at once.... although I have had 6 and 7 some nights. The nurses on my unit are very quick to help out and the charge nurse and CNAs are great too. We have a great monitor tech who gives us a "heads-up" if our patients rhythm starts looking not-so-good. Don't get me wrong, I still have those mornings where I can barely hold back the tears until I get to my car, but most days I leave feeling proud of myself, and feeling like I'm really starting to "get" this whole nursing thing.... Now if only I could stop having nightmares about my patients coding....