Feeling Overwhelmed!

[studentnurse74, LPN, LVN]

I graduated Dec. 16. As if studying for the boards weren't stress enough, now I'm in orientation. I haven't started unit orientation yet, but I'm taking Core (classes, modules, skills checkoff, etc.). Today we had PICCs and chest tubes. I've heard more today about IVs then I did my entire time in nursing school. The instructor confused me when she started referring to them as name brands, like Hickman. :uhoh21:

I also felt inadequate when they were discussing what can infuse where and which port to use, and everything else! I'm really starting to freak out. Is it normal to graduate and not know this much, or does it get easier on real patients? Please advise!

[Happy-ER-RN, RN]

I am assuming you are going to an ICU. Yes, orientation was the most overwhelming time of my entire life--nursing school was nothing compared to my first two months as an ER nurse. We didn't learn anything about critical care in nursing school either so yes, I felt just like you. I think what happens is you hear something that you have never heard of before and your mind freaks out a little, then you hear something else new, and your mind freaks out a little more. Before you know it you have built everything up in your mind to a huge deal, when maybe it is just a few simple things that you didn't know. You will learn, it just takes time. When you are with your preceptor just tell her--could you tell me about the different brands of PICC lines, for example what is the difference between a Hickman and a Groshong. If she exlains it and you still don't quite get it, ask someone else later until you feel comofortable. (By the way one of the main diferences between the lines Groshong, Hickman, Port-a-Cath is what you need to flush it with when you are done using it--heparin and how much, or just saline) We don't use PICC lines much in the ER though so I always ask when I have to use one.

Somehow you will get through it, just tell yourself it's time to buckle down and just deal with all the anxiety and torture for a just a few more months and you will pop out the other end as a real nurse. You will survive!

[Shastalee99]

Hey StudentNurse74,

It's been a while since you posted this one but I came across it and wondered how you made out with your feelings of anxiety and being overwelmed with so much on your plate at that time. I'm in a similar situation so any words of encouragment would be helpful!

Thanks a bunch.