Any words of advice?

[prudence09]

I've been working for about a month. I just passed my boards and got my first 3 patients 2 days later. I wasn't on my own but my preceptor isn't that great. She actually sat there and read a book for most of the night. I got so far behind and all she could say was you should already have that done or you should do this first. I just wanted to scream. What really got be behind was that at the beginning of our shift she actually made me do one of her discharges after I told her I had done many of them in the past month and was comfortable with them. Doing her work actually put me an hour and half behind. I get that we have to work as a team but doing someone else's work is not team work. haven't even been on the job that long but am beginning to think I'm going to be a crappy nurse. I only had 3 patients how in the world am I going to handle 7? I know it's just the first month but I'm already discouraged. I just keep telling myself it just takes time but what if I never catch on.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

you will catch on ... the only problem you will have is that it takes time. as time goes on and you continue to work as a rn you will do better. also, i noticed that having a preceptor, even a good one, can screw up time management. other humans think differently and organize differently then other humans. thus, you might find as i have that after orientation making mistakes and approaching more experienced nurses when needing help can do you much more good toward improving time management.

[DreamingTree]

Yep - it really does get easier with time. When you are first starting out, every little step of the process is new to you. You have to think your way through each task, which takes time. With practice, many of those steps become automatic until you can do them in your sleep. You also get better at prioritizing, problem-solving, and remembering details (more cognitive space due to many tasks becoming automatic). Trust us...we've been there.

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

I would ask for a different preceptor, or at least get your nurse manager to spell out exactly what the expectations are for you and your preceptor... I don't think reading a book while you do her discharges would fit into those.

[NC Girl BSN]

Sadly some preceptors are not that great and it will stress you out to no end. Be honest with her and tell her how you struggled with 3 and to guide you through a routine to help you achieve your task for the three. Who was taken care of the other 4 patients if all she did was read a book. I feel bad for you because we have 4-5 pt on our neuro unit and I could not imagine having 7. I think it will get better with time. This is week 12 for me as a new grad and I am on my own friday. I am a little scared but the nurses on my floor are so nice and helpful. Good luck and hang in there.