Admissions and Post-ops

[PineapplePopsicle]

I've recently been assigned several times a new admission and a post-op patient at the change of shift that arrive at the same exact time. I find this very overwhelming because how can I possibly be in two places at once? I also have 2-3 other patients at the same time that need meds/labs/pain addressed at the very beginning of the shift as well. Often I've had PACU and the ED waiting to give me report at the same time plus I have to get report from the previous shift nurses on patient's that are already on the floor. I'm wondering if I am overwhelmed because I am still a fairly new nurse (8 months in) or should I be expected to handle this type of assignment? I'll also add that I started as a new grad in a float position, big mistake! The adjustment has been very challenging. An example of a recent patient assignment included: 1 fresh post op, 1 admission, 1 transfusion (all 3 arriving at the same exact time at the beginning of the shift), 1 stable patient, 1 post op that arrived 25 min prior to the start of shift. Sometimes the charge will help, sometimes the charge will help all the core staff and not the floats. Just hoping to hear some thoughts. Thank you!

[Daisy4RN]

These unsafe practices are one of the reasons I left beside, no it is not bc you are a new nurse, but it does make it harder for you though. Good luck, it will get a little easier.

[brownbook]

I think it's crazy and I'm not a new nurse.

I'd speak up. Stop everything you're doing, patient asessments, passing meds, etc. Find the charge nurse and tell her you cannot take the new admit because you just got a fresh post op, you're hanging blood, etc.

If this continues start applying for a new job.