Don't think I'm cut out for med/surg

[Icanseethefinishline]

I went a little bananas the other day giving meds (PO and SubQ Lovenox) and changing a sterile dressing. I got really flustered and made a lot of mistakes, even though I prepped the night before. I can't imagine doing that for 8 patients each shift!!!! I'm afraid I'll miss something and someone will really get hurt as a result. I've heard med/surg experience is the gold standard when moving around, and I know I'm not the first to have these fears, but some insight from those who have some experience would be really helpful. Thanks.

[anonymousstudent]

OK. Breathe. When your a student you are not expected to do things perfectly (or shouldn't be). You will make mistakes, that's why you're supervised. You can't base your future performance as a nurse on this one clinical day. Just review what you did wrong, get a plan in place to improve, and talk to your CI and get some additional guidance.

[Icanseethefinishline]

Normally I wouldn't flip out like this. But the CI (new to us, 2nd rotation) has sent me to remediation. Even though she is known for this, it still freaks me out a bit. To add some insult, the patient's room had a faulty hand sanitizer and a soap dispenser that didn't work. I'm carrying my own on a clip on from now on!!! Overall, I am doing well and I intend to stay that way. But this past week threw me for a loop. Thanks for your help. :)

[Jack245]

the patient's room had a faulty hand sanitizer and a soap dispenser that didn't work. I'm carrying my own on a clip on from now on!!! Overall, I am doing well and I intend to stay that way. But this past week threw me for a loop. Thanks for your help. :)

This. You're learning and adapting. Remediation doesn't always have to be a bad thing, think of it as an opportunity for more practice. There are going to be bad weeks, you just have to keep on plugging.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

It amazes me some nurses have 8 Patients on a med/surg floor. I appreciate the ratios we have here.

[symphie]

My first day of clinicals I followed one of the nurses on our floor for the morning and she told me, "When you graduate, do 1 year on a med/surg floor, and then get the hell out of there!"...working med/surg is one of the toughest ways to learn, but it's also the best. You gain/practice skills, see every kind of disorder, and when you're looking for other jobs, hospitals will appreciate the skills it takes to work it. There are going to be really tough days, but you'll have good days too. And when you look back, you'll be amazed at how much you learned.

[crazydiamond]

#1 chill out...im sure ur cut out for it..its just anxiety we have alll been there. one thing that i think helps personally, if its possible, is meeting the patient and talking to them telling them about urself, asking about them, telling them your a student so it gives u a chance to develop a good rapport before hand so its not so nerve racking. N maybe next time u give a SQ u can nonchalantly say to ur instructor can i try giving it in the deltoid because id like to try that or practice that so at least u do not have to face the pt. Maybe one of thos pocket LPN quick guides will help to keep in ur pocket so u can review real quick before entering. If a pt asks u a ? and u dont no do not use ur confidence and DO NOT be afraid to say "u no what Idk, lemme double check" they will respect you more and even the nurses n drs have to doudble check. Even if u feel nervous ACT confident because the more confident (not cocky) u act, the more faith ppl have in u and the more faith u will have in urself. ull be great....if it makes u feel better talk about forgetting stuff my 2nd rotation i forgot to knock on another pts BR door n walked in on him in his boxers w no shirt lol