Detail oriented, sort of

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I have an MSW but have been considering getting my RN. Only concern, other than paying for another degree, is details. I'm good at documenting, but w/my current position, I spend a lot of my time off doing progress notes and other paperwork. There just isn't enough time tomget it done in 40hours. As a result I worry that I'm maybe not detail oriented enough for nursing. Oh, and I'd like to do ER nursing, I'm great at juggling lots of things and competent... Anyway, please let me know if I'm wrong. Invoke I am. Thanks!!

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Meant 'i hope' not invoke

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Is there any RN out there who can manage her/his workload and documentation AND take lunch and breaks. Doubtful.

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Is there any RN out there who can manage her/his workload and documentation AND take lunch and breaks. Doubtful.

Certainly not on day shift!

But to the original question: it sounds like your issue is not a lack of detail orientation but rather too much of a workload to complete in the time required (also common in nursing... get used to it), or possibly you could stand to improve your time management skills and your speed at documentation. Don't know if this is the case, or how long you've been a MSW, but these are definitely something that comes with time and practice. Are there other social workers where you work? Do they complete their workload within their shift? Have you asked for suggestions/guidance? Just thoughts...

I definitely wouldn't say that your current situation should keep you from pursuing a career as an RN.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Details comes with time. You're going to have more than that to worry about.

Just go for it...all will fall into place...

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I've been an MSW for 12 years. The other providers where I work have the same problems I do with documentation. Mostly I'm curious if I'd be working all of my days off as a nurse.

Thanks for the replies!

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Depends on the type of nursing job. For hourly paid shiftwork (eg bedside nurse), when you're off, you're off. No bringing work home or coming in on a day off to do paperwork.

However, there's usually lots of pressure to clock out on time. You may be running 12 hours straight trying to juggle patient needs but you're still supposed to somehow complete all documentation in between all of the various pressing needs demanding attention. If you're not done by clock out time, management may put the blame back on you for not managing your time, even if the workload would seem to make it impossible to do both patient care *and* documentation. Some people stay over and either get warnings from management for overtime or work off the clock (not supposed to, but...).

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