Stressed just started orientation

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I been overwhelmed at a rehab hospital and feel like I'm slow with just two patients. Lately they have been short staffed and been giving me and my preceptor 7-8 patient.I don't think it was fair because how was I suppose to learn if she had 7patients. My preceptor said I'm doing ok so far this was my four week and feel like I can't handle 2 patient on my own. I feel like I'm slow and don't know anything. I'm so overwhelmed I wonder if I should continue to be a nurse. Any advice?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

First of all, are you a new grad? If so, you're probably seeing some of the differences between the ideal world taught in nursing school and the real world of nursing. Take a deep breath. Of course it's going to be overwhelming, and in fact it's not uncommon to not feel like you're competent and comfortable for several months and even up to a full year after starting a job. You may find some ideas for the adjustment period in the First Year After Nursing Licensure forum, as well as talking with your preceptor about your concerns. Make sure your preceptor provides verbal feedback at least daily and written at least weekly, more often if required by the facility. Set goals for each day and each week with your preceptor and evaluate your progress towards them frequently.

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Yes I'm a new grad thank you.. I'm trying not to stress over it... I try to be the best nurse that I can be...

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Your should feel like that it's a good thing especially at first,at least so did I at first. Now once you've been there a while you should be able to get your time management down and 7 patients won't be an issue, usually. There are always those days where no matter what you do you cant catch up and you want to choke someone. You'll be fine, good luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

First of all, congratulations on your new job. If you've been here on AN for a while, it's very evident that many new grads are not so lucky.

PPs are correct - you're experiencing new nurse feelings. It's part of the transition process from student to practicing nurse. IMO, the most difficult part of the transition is developing your own time management skills. Although this can happen via a 'gradual' increase in workload -- really the only way to develop that skill is by doing it. Just like learning to drive - just not possible without actual experience in a real car.

You've got this - We've all been there. A year from now, you'll be the one helping the newbies.

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