Nervous PCT

[newpct]

Hi all,

I just started a job at a major hospital in my area. I am always nervous before my shift and feel as if I'm pressuring myself to do vitals fast as al the experienced peoooe can do then in 45 minutes but it takes me over an hour and change to do. My coworkers tell me not to feel bad about it but I feel as if I'm not doing good st this job. I have precious medical experience in EMS and feel that this job is so much more fast paced than when I was in EMS. I've been in the job for two weeks and still feel nervous because I am so slow. I know how to do vitals but get nervous as I'm doing them as I keep track of the time and realie

i have many more patients to take care of in the

mornjng. I am

feeling less nervous with more exposure on my shifts

but is it me

wanting to do everything correct and with speed that is causing me anxiety?? Any words of wisdom are appreciated!!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

It sounds like your anxiety is coming from self-imposed expectations. You feel that you "should" be faster, so you are anxious about seeming less competent than other PCTs. Timing yourself is only reinforcing your perceived inadequacy and will cause you to rush and be more likely to perform a skill incorrectly.

You need to stop putting this pressure on yourself. The experienced staff has told you not to worry about your pace. Your only concern should be obtaining accurate vital signs. The vital signs you obtain will aid the nurses in making their assessments and performing necessary interventions. Speed is something that comes with repetition and experience. Accuracy should never be sacrificed for speed, in any situation. Relax. Stop looking at the clock unless you're counting a patient's respiratory rate. Focus on your patient's safety, not how long it takes you to take a blood pressure. Give yourself time to learn.