Ever feel overwhelmed trying to remember things?

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:confused: I'd like to know if anyone else feels overwhlemed trying to rack your brain to remember things? For example, trying to remember what the mechanism of action of a medication is, or what the medication is used for. Maybe even having problems remembering the disease process for different diseases from time to time?
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:confused: I'd like to know if anyone else feels overwhlemed trying to rack your brain to remember things? For example, trying to remember what the mechanism of action of a medication is, or what the medication is used for. Maybe even having problems remembering the disease process for different diseases from time to time?

Everyday that I go to work I feel overwhelmed. I've been working on a med surg unit for 2 months already and there has not been one day that I have not felt overwhelmed. Im a perfectionist when it comes to my work but now that im a new grad it is very difficult for me because as all us new grads know........ we arent that great at prioritization and time management. It kills me to not completely understand my patients condition or why they are on certain medications that I have never even heard of before. I knew my patho when in school but for some reason now that im working I feel as if its all brand new stuff. There is just toooooo much information out there. You are not alone. Maybe we can get some pointers from the experienced nurses on how they did it as new grads to overcome the anxiety and being overwhelmed. At firlst I thought I was just being to rough on myself but I see there are alot of people out there that feel the same way I do.

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I feel the same way as you. I had a 4.0 in NS and really knew my stuff. But, I'm so overwhelmed with all the "other" stuff, like knowing where things are, policies/procedures, knowing who the doctors are, the flow of the floor, etc. And, time management is an issue as well. I feel like I'm constantly just trying to stay on top of everything that I don't have time to "figure out" how everything ties together. It's getting a little better, but I'm just hoping that once I get into my routine I'll be able to feel more like a nurse, and less like a hamster on a wheel. :o)

Let's all hang in there together, and we will make it!

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm a new nurse still in orientation. It feels good to know I'm not the only one feeling this way. I'm not to bad with medications. I do have to look 1 or 2 up here and there. Disease processes are a little tougher. I have a little med-surg book that I take to work with me, that helps explain alot of diseases, at least the common ones. It's handy, but of course I never have that much time to glance at it. My only advice is don't underestimate what you do know, I mean you made it through nursing school!

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I'm going to have to say...adderoll saved my life in regards to this. I was a total space cadet up until the last semester of nursing school now I'm kind of like super nurse in terms of being on top of stuff. I do have adhd and had not taken any medications for a long time.

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

time is what it takes. we all know that, but sometimes just need to hear someone tell us that. lol

gl to all and everyone!

-H-RN

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