Another LVN scared to go to work

hopefull1 · May 29, 2011

I am only a new nursing student, BUT from what I have read on this site (and believe me I've been studying it for several months) this is what every new nurse goes through with their first job. It's apparently a right of passage. They all say until about 6 months to 1 year you will feel this way. As long as your facility is happy with your work, consider your work a job well done. You are supposed to ask questions. That is how we all learn, and one day you can be there for the new person asking you all the same questions while feeling the way you do now. Don't feel alone or give up on yourself. Search this site for all those that are in the same new boat. Hope you get your "sea legs" soon! :up:

caliotter3 · May 29, 2011

Give yourself a year or so. By then you should have a better handle on things and your anxiety should be decreasing. Engage in a good physical fitness program outside of work. Believe me, it does wonders to help with stress.

BCPN · May 30, 2011

Hi Erikk,

Some good advice from the previous replies. I have also heard "give it a year" before you settle. I remember one instructor (when I was in school) stating that she couldn't sleep for the first year when she was new. I think it may be common to a certain degree, regardless of title. However, it sounds like you are needing to "leave your work behind"... easier said than done sometimes. Here are some ideas and I hope something may work for you.

1. Reflect your day... use a journal & write your day/reflection info. down. Once you close the book, consider your work day closed. (More of a mental thing than anything). Sometimes people need to vent, a journal is a good way at times. For your own health & that of your family's, you need to somehow close your work when you go home. A brief reflection may be enough to "vent" & improve for next time. Eventually, you may not need a journal... I know some people reflect and "calm down" if they have a long drive to/from work - driving time is an excellent way to do this. Note: If a casual or on-call employee, it does add stress when you receive the last minute calls (or wondering if they'll call) - can totally relate. Do you best to deal with this (if it's a factor) with what you can do.

2. Be sure you are eating & sleeping "normal" (healthy).

3. Why are you going to work an hour early? Slowly change your habit so you are going to work to arrive closer to starting time. I understand about the documenting - we are stuck with that if we don't get it done during our shift.

4. The people that are doing their "job" within the allowable time frame... observe to see what they are doing. They maybe taking short-cuts or not doing everything as thorough as you. (I don't mean this to be a negative but sometimes we can only do, what we can do, within the time allowed. Unfortunately, it means something won't be done to our satisfaction. Prioritize the most important things to do...everything else comes afterwards). Sometimes, we don't get to do everything we want, within the time frame given - some things just may not get done. (Just be sure it's not the urgent things that are left).

I am guessing you are in Residential care, which means a LOT of meds... I've seen some nurses walk away from the Resident when they give the med - not a practice I am comfortable doing (and don't), as it saves them time. Some pre-pour; I'm not suggesting this, but maybe there are other tricks people have that can be some time savers. The case load is a huge factor too - how many patients/residents, how many "interuptions" do you get, did someone fall during med time, who is difficult to give meds to, even types of meds (i.e., insulin, patches, etc. can slow you down slightly, especially MARs that are incorrect, - it all adds up). These are all factors that can influence your day. If you don't work as a regular employee, it makes many factors more difficult - even for the simple reason that you may not the know the residents (or routine) very well. Once you know these, it's a huge time saver.

I hope this helps somewhat. Not really sure what to say as it's also individual. Taking your work home with you - the stress & anxiety is obviously not healthy. Good luck - you sounds like you care a lot & are wanting to do everything properly & completely. As the saying goes, "pick & choose your battles"...same for work, pick & choose the most important stuff. Don't be embarrased asking for help at work. I hope you can figure how to be less stressed! Good luck!

JG_0311 · Jun 5, 2011

I think we have all been there before. As time goes by you will become faster at doing the paper work, and you will streamline your nursing skills (med passes, etc) to where they won't take so long to perform. Before you know it you will be mentoring some new grad, and you'll wonder when it all became second nature to you.

jessicasampson · Jun 6, 2011

If 12 hour shifts are an option, take them! It goes so much better, you have the whole day to deal with things and four days off.

If not, see if you can't let the next shift take care of the orders, labs when they get there. I would hope there isn't a huge med pass at 3pm.

It gets better, trust me!

ctm985 · Jun 7, 2011

Breathe!!!!!

You will get through this. Nobody starts in long term care with it all figured out. Time Management is key. Day shift is wonderful for new(er) nurses because of the resources available-management, more staff. However, you also have all the added benefits to accomodate-appointments, visitors, doctors rounds, phone calls, etc.

Is it a usual practice at your facility to 'float' new nurses? I have never been a fan of flip flopping. Not only do you need the consistency of learning the land, but your residents value consistency. They appreciate having someone they know taking care of them.

Are your co-workers just as swamped as you? Talk with them, ask for help. Believe it or not, they have been in your shoes. Remember there are 24 hours in a day, and it is OK to leave something un-done.

If you have a few minutes before your a.m. med pass flip through the MAR. Flag those things that catch your eye as potential trouble. Try to address multiple things in one phone call or fax to the MD. Keep a small notepad on your cart. During your med pass, jot down those items needing clarification and keep going (if possible). Make notes/use a report sheet to keep track of key points to include in your documentation.

You are thorough, and you have the compassion that is needed in long term care. Two qualities needed greatly. All the rest will fall into place.

JN12 · Aug 1, 2012

I understand what you are going through. I am currently looking for an LVN job and just terrified of starting as a new grad. I get scared that I will not be as efficient as some LVN's I have seen on the floor. I think time management is what is the most important, the rest you learn as you go. I remember my instructor telling me she did not get any sleep the first year and had dreams about her work! I hope you get through it, if thier is anyone out there that can share thier story of being a new rookie nurse, please share! I think the hardest thing is when your dealing with staff who are diificult to work with.