I am a new grad since July working on a tele floor. I have a great preceptor that teaches me alot of things, has patience and a personality. I am basically on my own but with that preceptor "crutch" for another 4 weeks (by myself Nov 2nd) and things are going well. Yes, it is overwhelming but it does get better everyday.
I work overnights from 7p to 7a. My assignment can be anywhere between 3 to 5 patients which 5 is the max. I am a little anxious about seeing my patients and the time I am taking before I see them.
I get in around 6:45 and start looking up my patients in the computer. I am looking at PMH, triponin levels, any BNP's, TSH and all other labs including aptt and INR (even though I do not give the coumadin, that is another thread question I will be sending) anyway, I also look up who is consulted and why, tests to be done on my shift or the next am, etc. Now lots of times when the RN leaving gives report they start to talk to my preceptor only which bugs me because they ALL know I am still with her but if she is sitting somewhere else I have to leave my computer and walk over to where she is and listen without looking up things as they talk. See, she is looking up in the computer she is at as they talk. So I am thinking this could be a reason why I am so slow but not really by that much. So by the time I look up say 4 patients, get report it is about 8:15 p. I get my VS and do my assessment on all my patients, it is now about 9 pm and then I combine most of my 8's and 10's together unless I have a couple of BP meds that I can give at 11.
So, when does everyone else see their patients? I literally feel like I am running around with my head cutoff from 6:45 to about 1 in the morning! Is this normal or am I just way to slow? I just do not feel comfortable not knowing most about my patient before I see them and doing a good assessment I believe is important. Also, some RN's look at the chart while researching, how can they have the time during then to do that! I don't!!
tee_byrd, BSN, RN
163 Posts
The information provided by everyone was and is very helpful to me. Thanks