I am a new ICU nurse. I work in a small ICU in the middle of nowhere! I was originally scheduled to be on orientation for a total of 4-6 months in the ICU, and unfortunately, I was only on orientation for barely two months. Yesterday was my fourth day being in the ICU on my own. While on orientation, I got amazing reviews from my preceptor and other nurses..but now..
I feel overwhelmed . I ask tons of questions to the other nurses and when I go home I feel like I could have done better. It is definitely not easy and I know I am being hard on myself. I go home everyday and study stuff that I need to become familiar with.
Is this an okay feeling? When did you guys start feeling comfortable? I'm making stupid mistakes just because I feel overwhelmed. Last night I drew blood from the PICC with the TPN running so lab called me to let me know my patients glucose was 600!! Stupid mistakes like this! Is this normal? Does everyone feel overwhelmed at first?
. I ask tons of questions to the other nurses and when I go home I feel like I could have done better. It is definitely not easy and I know I am being hard on myself. I go home everyday and study stuff that I need to become familiar with.