how do you do it?

I think, just like any new job, you will feel like that and the feeling will last quite sometime. I think it is important to stick it out, realize that you don't know everything (in reality not that much) and learn as much as you can from those around you. You won't really know how to do your job until after you actually start working on your own, after you find your own rhythm. The feelings of doubt will eventually disappear as time goes on and as you learn about your own potential. Hang in there, this too shall pass :)

It was the same with me. In the first few weeks of working as a new nurse, I lost 25 lbs due to the fact that I couldn't eat and when I did I threw it up. IT DOES GET BETTER!! Learn to ask the right questions.

I always ask:

1. any extra equipment for this pt ex. foley, O2, nebs, IV ect.

2. blood sugars

3. Coumadin and if so what was the PT/INR

4. Wounds

5. Appetite

6. last BM

7. Antibiotic therapy and for what

8. What is their admitting diagnosis

9. Any narcs that I should be aware of

I'm sure that you can come up with other questions as well. If you get into the routine of asking these questions, then you can get a good picture of what is going on with your pt and you won't feel so lost. Everything else just takes time to learn where things are, what the routine is, and what CNA you can count on for information and keeping up with the patients. I know the last thing you want to do after a 8 or 12 hr shift is to study, but when you have questions about drugs, treatments, diagnosis, labs, etc. write them down and then look them up after your shift or ask someone who has been a nurse for a while at the job. Find out what everyone else's job encompasses so that you are not taking on more than what you are suppost to. Find your resourses. Good luck! I was just in your position last year.

I was the same way. And somehow, without me realizing it, I became an efficent, thourough nurse. I started a ball of nerves while on my own and in the blink of an eye its two years later and *I* am "one of those nurses" who understands what the more seasoned nurses are talking about, I am one of the nurses that the newly licensed nurses come to with questions, problems..who would have ever thought LOL. Without realizing it, my nerves finally let up. It happens gradually, with each passing day you get more and more at ease with your position.

I don't really have any suggestions on how to feel better, I can just tell you..you will.

One piece of advice I can offer is..when in doubt---->ASK! It never hurts to bounce an idea/thought/concern off another nurse. My co-worker and I are always bouncing ideas off each other, getting a 2nd opinion so to speak.

Best of luck. LTC can stike fear in a new nurses heart..but it does get easier and one day you will look up from the med cart and realize, that now, *YOU* are one of those nurses that you were looking up too :)

I cried on the way home for like the first 6 weeks. That's prob not what you want to hear. It does get easier. Eventually you learn to get into a rhythm with your duties and then you can start picking up new things. Just ask a lot of questions and listen to the more seasoned nurses. For me, it always helps to know the rationale behind whatever I'm doing, so ask about that, too. Just keep your priorities with your Residents first and go from there. Make nice with your CNA's since they are your eyes and ears most of the time and very often are they first to pick up on something "off" with a Resident. But remember that when it comes down to it, you're the one ultimately responsible.

It gets better.

Thanks everyone! I am really happy I joined allnurses. It makes me realize that I am not alone and that many have gone through what I am going through right now and have become successful nurses. Truly, it gives me strength to hang in there and do my best. Kudos to all of u!!!