so im a new grad, working at a hospital. now im getting overwhelmed (been working for a month. 8 patients now). I do all the meds and notes, picked up orders...
but by the time i give my report, i stumble horribly for the words and significant info...i was shocked to be unable to provide the answers to important questions...my mind was scattered...i was so embarrassed
im..a timid type of person but i realize one has to be tough on this job...have a hard time turning down minute requests from patients/families when im the only nurse they see...im at that stage when im losing confidence..(sigh i graduated top of the class, but that doesnt matter now...i want to forget i did =(
today, i just lost it...after being embarrassed, tears just welled up..i had to go somewhere and just break down...
DX: Risk of RN Related Stress due to rigors of the job
Select the best nursing intervention to achieve the outcome: Stress reduced.
A: Empty the nearest bedpan on patient's head
B: Scream like a howler monkey until patient hides under blankets
C: Leave work, Find the person who first inspired you to be become a nurse and smack the %$X#*! out of them.
D: Cry
Correct answer: Cry
Rationale: Crying allows for a temporary reduction of stress, may release endorphins, and allows the nurse to vent negative thoughts which may impede critical thinking.
Specializes in Telemetry, IMCU, s/p Open Heart surgery.
8 patients! i would cry too!
when i was on orientation they started me off with one patient until i made why way up to 7 patients and felt comfortable, and that took 3 months! i had to do the same (take off orders, pass meds, etc) and didn't allow my preceptor to increase my assignment until i felt ok with doing less number of patients. maybe your orientation has flown by too fast! i think 1 month for a new nurse to take on 8 patients is sooo overwhelming! maybe you can talk to your nurse manager or someone about taking it a little slower? maybe that would help?
DX: Risk of RN Related Stress due to rigors of the job
Select the best nursing intervention to achieve the outcome: Stress reduced.
A: Empty the nearest bedpan on patient's head
B: Scream like a howler monkey until patient hides under blankets
C: Leave work, Find the person who first inspired you to be become a nurse and smack the %$X#*! out of them.
D: Cry
Correct answer: Cry
Rationale: Crying allows for a temporary reduction of stress, may release endorphins, and allows the nurse to vent negative thoughts which may impede critical thinking.
A report sheet was invaluable to keeping me organized when I was on med-surg. I developed one over a couple years, slowly changing it as I got better ideas of how to organize. I've uploaded my report sheet to my Google Docs account and I'd like anyone who can benefit from it to feel free to use it as a template, but you need to customize to your practice and your facility.
I'd keep a stack of these in my clipboard and fill them out at the beginning of each shift. General info is at the top, information from the previous shift went on the left side, and I'd fill out new information as I obtained it during my shift on the right. Then when report time comes, it's just a matter of reading off report.
Good luck!
I sent you a PM, could you please email your report sheet to me? I couldn't open the document for some reason?
Hmm, I don't have any advice really since I won't graduate til next month so I don't know what it's really like to work the floor alone. But you have only been a nurse for a month? Where is your preceptor? I thought you were suppose to have one for a few months first.
I'm in nursing school, and all my instructors keep saying, "Oh, you'll be on orientation for months."
Not sure how long they've been been away from the bedside, but it seems those days are looooong gone.
I hope someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong.
I swear, and I dare anyone to say that a situation has never gotten them so mad that they didn't at least try to tear up!!!! I dare you!
It's your plain out exhaustion and your body has to let it out before you blow up. You had two choices, cry, or rip the heck out of the closet person to you that didn't deserve it.
It's coping. you were maxed stressed, at your witts end and you needed a good cry. Once you feel more comfortable with your peers, they'll see it coming and try to save you... I hope. Sometimes the tears just come and a kind sole, watches your patients while you get it together.
We sometimes need a cry, but a good group will try to catch you before that, or you'll learn that you need a minute before you continue on the floor to get it together. We've all done it. And if you can take the 15 minutes and cry, you'll feel better. I promise it gets better, but you have to learn how YOU cope as you learn.
i am on orientation with a preceptor..but we just tried how i'll do with 8 patients (number of patients went up 1-2 per week--was doing fine with 6) but she was there to help me--altho i was more on my own this time...i just felt really overwhelmed...
i am on orientation with a preceptor..but we just tried how i'll do with 8 patients (number of patients went up 1-2 per week--was doing fine with 6) but she was there to help me--altho i was more on my own this time...i just felt really overwhelmed...
Eight is way too many to even begin to give proper care IMO! I guess that statement doesn't help you any. If you are expected to care for that many everyday somethings gotta give.
Eight is way too many to even begin to give proper care IMO! I guess that statement doesn't help you any. If you are expected to care for that many everyday somethings gotta give.
How many techs do you have?
What type of unit is this?
Acute care?
Is there a high turnover?
Are others struggling?
Management present? Do they care?
This. I am curious, too.
I know that there is a matter of acuity, but I struggle often with two patients in ICU!
I dare you!
CareteamRN70
155 Posts
DX: Risk of RN Related Stress due to rigors of the job
Select the best nursing intervention to achieve the outcome: Stress reduced.
A: Empty the nearest bedpan on patient's head
B: Scream like a howler monkey until patient hides under blankets
C: Leave work, Find the person who first inspired you to be become a nurse and smack the %$X#*! out of them.
D: Cry
Correct answer: Cry
Rationale: Crying allows for a temporary reduction of stress, may release endorphins, and allows the nurse to vent negative thoughts which may impede critical thinking.