Don't feel like I'm getting the hang of this job?

[_Skittles_]

I've been working on an oncology floor for 6 months now fresh out of school. Some days I feel great like I can do everything and I feel confident. Other days I feel foggy like I cant get organized enough to get everything done and like I'm chicken with my head cut off tasking. On those days I go the whole shift without eating so I'm dizzy and feel like a complete idiot after for not getting everything done or getting it done as fast as my coworkers. One of the managers pulled me to the side at one point and told me I'm doing fine -I'm right where I should be developmentally but I need to ask for help more often and not be so hard on myself. My 90 days review showed I was doing well. That being said its fraying my nerves! And to top it off my coworker flipped out saying that he had no idea what I did all shift and how I didn't get 2 dressing changes done and he wasn't going to do them...am I just a giant numbskull that should have a better grip by now or is this normal? Any advice for those days?

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

Remind your coworker nursing is more than a 12hr job. Also, "it's only two dressing changes," he should be able to handle it just fine.

The more you nurse the better you'll get. Experience can't be taught. Try to multitask more.. refine your assessment skills and chart quicker. If its a habit that your patients always have stuff left for the next shift then you need to work on time management.

Coordinate your days better so that you're not chasing the shift but instead leading it. Regardless of how If you are new or the worst nurse in the world.. no other staff should make such an unprofessional comment.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Keep snacks and drinks handy. Sometimes that's the only way to do it. Hypoglycemia can cause you to be slow and confused. Be easier on yourself. You're only 6 months in. Yes, delegation is essential. That nurse was inappropriate. Nursing is a team effort and nobody should make you stay late to do tasks that you didn't have time for.