I feel overwhelmed

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in PP, Pediatrics, Home Health.

So I have started working a casual nights position at a children's home for children with special needs.The pay is great, it is a small home and it is night shifts like I had wanted, and I have always wanted a pediatrics position.I had training last night and I have to work tonight by myself.There are 9 children on my side of the home, and they are pretty hard to turn and rotate on my own, there are a TON of meds to give out in the morning, and I don't think I grasped the concept of the night shift last night.I am all alone tonight and I am feeling overwhelmed and I am not sure how to feel about it.I told the manager that I am feeling uncomfortable with being on my own, so the most that she could do for me was have someone come over and help with meds, which kind of helps me, but with the changing of briefs I know that I am going to need help.I am not sure how to feel about this and what I should do in this situation.:confused:

Usually they do at least 4 weeks of training, and I am only getting 1 night :( They told me that starting right before the holidays I am not going to get the training that I need.I am not sure what to do and am just looking for advice.I know that 9 kids shouldn't be that big of a deal, but I feel a little crazy.:uhoh3:

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If you don't feel comfortable then just say NO! I think it is unacceptable to work ANY job with just one night of orientation, let alone taking care of 9 precious children. Don't let them push you into something you don't feel comfortable with just because it's "the holidays" and they're short, it's not fair to you or the children you're caring for. I'm sorry you're in this situation and I feel for you, good luck! :heartbeat

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Yes so sorry. One night of orientation and it sounds like not even another person--aide of some type to help with ADL type things. Sounds unsafe and if you don't feel comfortable say no. Its your license.

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Specializes in Hospice.

that is simply unacceptable.

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Specializes in SNF, 2 year s hospital.

In my short years of nursing I have found out that if employers feel that they can USE you and get away with it they will! Your nursing license is what provides for you and you should keep that in mind:nurse:

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I agree. Tell them, "sorry I just can't do this". It's really

interesting when we stand up for ourselves, they back down

and provide what we need. And if they say no, then they certainly

were not risking your license - no job is worth that. Employers

know what they are doing, so it's up to us to make them accountable.

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

Usually I'd say c'mon you can do it, but what concerns me greatly is the usual orientation time of at least four weeks. If that's what it usually takes, then even a very experienced nurse would require sustantially more than one shift. Otherwise the facility would be wasting a lot of many on unnecessarry training and I don't believe that. Unfortunately, I also have to wonder about the integrity of management. I don't believe it's you who doesn't get the needed training, I believe it's the children who do not get adequately trained staff, because of the holidays. What does that say about the facility?

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Hello. Glad you are sharing this challenging situation. I agree with the other writers that your assigned ratio of one professional nurse for total patient care to 9 special needs pediatric patients does seem questionable at best. Unfortunately, some employers are just not up front during interviews about the real deal of a nursing job. Here are two ideas: (1) Submit in writing (and keep a copy) of a positive vibe request for the "usual 4 week orientation" and for assignment of a nurse aid to help safely meet the needs of the patients on your shift; (2)If there is no reasonable response within a week from your employer to your professional requests for improvements,it may be time to jump ship to protect your nursing license and the safety of your patients--submit a civil two week notice resignation for you to have a good work reference. Good luck!

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Specializes in PP, Pediatrics, Home Health.

I discussed my concerns with her before going into work last night and she was able to get someone to come in with me for the next few weeks.

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That's unacceptable. You have the right to say "NO". Orientation is 3-4 weeks or longer is you voice out that you are not comfortable yet.

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