Feel incompetent

[sistasoul]

Hi all,

I have just started my first RN job and am so frustrated and scared. I work in LTC and have 20 residents to care for. I barely have time to pass meds on my residents and do wound treatments never mind Doc orders and anything else that comes up during the shift. One resident I have has a peg tube and it is always clogged despite getting the required number of flushes per day. I spend 45 minutes a day in that room alone unclogging the tube and giving him insulin and nebs. One resident almost choked on me last night and I nearly broke down in tears in fromt of my LNAs. Some of the aides also give me attitude like you would not believe. I have spoken to my manager about this gentleman's tube being clogged all of the time and so far nothing is being done. Even after changing it it is clogged the very next day. The formula he is getting is probably too thick. I run at top speed from the moment I start till the moment I leave. I always have at least one hour overtime every night.

I also hate not being able to give my residents a push in their wheelchairs to the dining room. I was told to concentrate on my med pass and not stop for anything unless it is an emergency. I did not become a nurse to be a glorified pill pusher. I do not even have time to comfort my residents and I feel so horrible about that:crying2:. What has nursing become??? I am so frustrated. Everyone tells me it gets better. I hope so.

Just needed to vent....

[Jules A, MSN]

It definitely gets easier as you go along. Not that you won't always be incredibly busy just that you will figure out the best ways to get things done. Hang in there and hey, congrats on getting the job! I remember when you were still looking. :)

[caliotter3]

How about sending a fax to the PEG patient's doctor concerning the problem? Maybe he will address it by changing the feeding order. You will get faster at your job and not have to stay over so long as time goes on. The more experienced you get, the more you will find yourself getting done during your shift. Why not target one action that you want to do every day and make the time to do it? You will give yourself a sense of accomplishment and feel like you are gaining control over the situation. Amazing what little things like this can do to make you feel better about the job. Hang in there.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

When I worked LTC I felt like a trained chimp punching holes in blster packs. Oh, yeah, I'm looking up all the meds and checking optimal times of administration and interactions. And unicorns and rainbows fly out of my butt, too.

[Sashakins]

I feel your pain. Hang in there, I am. We can do this!!!!!!

[emilysmom,RN]

I know exactly how you feel. I work on a med surg floor and I am just finishing orientation. I was on days for 6 weeks now I am on nite shift. They showed me how to do chart checks once and now I am expected to do them. I think I am doing them right. I also am horrible at AM report I try to research all my 6 pts and pass on what I know but they all ask questions I do not know.

I would hope if I am missing something or if I am doing something wrong someone would tell me. I am always feeling like I am missing something. But I don't know what.

[jschut, BSN, RN]

PLease don't feel incompetent. You aren't. And you will get faster with time.

Fax an FYI about the peg tube, try diluting the formula with some water before administering, then flush with clear water.

As far as CNA's go, there's always 1-2 (or more) that will give attitude (I have 2 currently).

You are doing fine. Give yourself some time, and pretty soon, you'll be talking to and pushing residents all over the place! :)