So Frustrated! Cheering up needed....

YellowFinchFan · Sep 25, 2007

Is your charting computerized? That makes a big difference.

All I can say is that it's like that most places - you have to forgive yourself if you can't get it all done. Try to practice safely and prioritze all the time.

Like my manager always says "this is a 24 hour job = if you can't get it done - the next shift HAS TO DO IT" (of course this is within reason, like the kind of days you describe - not stuff being passed on cause they didn't want to do it etc)

Try to hang in there - make it to ONE YEAR and then reevaluate ....you're more than 1/2 way there!

leslie :-D · Sep 25, 2007

aw (((tiger))),

when i first read your post, i hesitated in responding.

but after reading yellowfinch's post, i decided to jump on board...

because i totally agree with yf's post.

first year for all new nurses, is an absolute nightmare.

not only are you learning many different tasks, but are also focusing on prioritization, time mgmt and just keeping your head above water.

at least you know that it's just not you:

that the experienced nurses are also struggling.

IF you can, i would strongly advise you to hang in there until the spring.

get that 1 yr of experience in.

after that, you will be much more marketable.

in spite of your frustration, it sounds like you're holding your own...even exceeding some's expectations!

and for that, you should be tremendously proud.

if you can hang in til the spring, that will only increase your chances of writing your own ticket to a more ideal work environment.

wishing you only the very best.

leslie

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2007

There is also a lot of tension between the staff.. Certain nurses think they rule the floor and boss everyone around (even though they aren't charge). Our assistants are overworked and exhausted, leaving them to have attitudes and gripe.

That's the problem.

TigerGalLE, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2007

You are right on that Sue.. It is very frustrating when you ask an assistant to do something and all you get is attitude and complaints. They work hard though, it isn't like they are sitting around. They are just like us.. Too much to do, to little time. Our patient care techs are responsible for VS, SQBS, I/O, baths, venous blood draws (not from lines), Foleys, collecting urine, stool ect for specimens.... We have some really awesome assistants.... but they are overworked...

I think our staff have just been pushed to their limit....

I haven't gotten to take a lunch break longer than 15 minutes in I don't know how long... And yea y'all will say.. You have to eat, you have to take the time to sit down and take a break.... But how can I when every nurse is running around like crazy.. and as soon as you sit down to eat the OR calls to send for your patient... Or dialysis is coming to get your pt for their afternoon dialysis run? I can't put that off on another nurse..

And yes I try to plan my breaks in between the chaos... but usually it isn't possible...

Our charge nurse, who was my preceptor, and now my dear friend is going job hunting next week for a new place to work.. I don't know what I'll do if she leaves...

EmmaG, RN · Sep 25, 2007

I haven't gotten to take a lunch break longer than 15 minutes in I don't know how long... And yea y'all will say.. You have to eat, you have to take the time to sit down and take a break.... But how can I when every nurse is running around like crazy.. and as soon as you sit down to eat the OR calls to send for your patient... Or dialysis is coming to get your pt for their afternoon dialysis run? I can't put that off on another nurse..

When I did charge, I assigned lunch breaks and wrote it on the assignment board for everyone to see. I also assigned coverage; if the nurse assigned to cover was swamped, then I did so. I would not accept staff telling me they couldn't take a 30 minute break. Unless there was a true emergency occurring (i.e. code), they did take a break. I made rounds on their patients, explaining their nurse was away for the next 1/2 hour, and asked if there was anything needed before they returned.

I found that the nurses were much more able to handle what was thrown at them, and contrary to popular belief, did NOT have to stay over to "finish up" when they were given a true lunch break. You need that time to decompress and regroup. Without it, the stress is exacerbated to a point you really don't function as efficiently. Some of the staff balked at first; I had to literally move them away from their med carts and guide them down the hallway. But after a while, they saw how much it did help them to get that break.

If you ARE working through your shift, and do not get 30 uninterrupted minutes away from your work area, then you need to charge for missed lunch. That's Federal law. If you are so much as asked a question about your patients, you can declare "no break". I think if everyone did this, the hospitals would do more to assure their staff got their legally-mandated breaks.

Dolce, RN · Sep 25, 2007

:icon_hug: From your post you sound like you are actually handling the situation very well. The floor you are on may be particularly busy, but think of all of the excellent skills that you are learning. You will carry those time management and assessment skills with you the rest of your life. Even though it is painful now this is a great opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism under pressure. Keep up the good work! You can do it! :)

ebear, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2007

Tiger,

Just try to remember that this is probably the most difficult year of your career in nursing. There are so many fires to put out, you don't know where to start! I promise you it will get better in so many ways after this first year. Yes, you will continue to work hard and face many, many challenges, but you will learn how to get through it all and survive! I remember my first yr. out of school about 100 yrs. ago ( I went to school with Nightingale)HaHa! I think I was in tears every day on the way home. The work never got any easier, I just figured out how to handle it. YOU WILL TOO!!!! At least your supv. is not oblivious to the situation (a whole lot are). Maybe as a group you can discuss this with the VP of Nursing (or DON). She/he needs to be aware that so many of the staff are completely exhausted.

Just hang in there if at all possible and know that you won't ever be so overwhelmed as you are this first year! :uhoh3:

ebear