Feeling the Pressure

Five&Two Will Do · Apr 25, 2011

I am a recent new grad and am working as an RN in inpatient Rehab. I had been an aide for a while before graduating at this same facility and never realized how much pressure is put on these nurses. We are expected to care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions.
I have made just a couple of small errors, only one of which required an incident report but did not result in any negative consequences for a pt. But every time I forget to chart something small or forget to admin a prn for bowels or etc., I beat myself up for it, and almost make myself feel sick.
All of the experienced nurses I work with are very supportive and my manager has also been supportive, but my need for perfection as a nurse has been taking a negative effect on me wanting to go to work. I'm beginning to dread it on some days - I feel stressed out and overwhelmed at times with new admissions and patients and time management, and working full-time... I am wondering if I am already starting to get burnt out....HELP

Perfection is something that we should strive for whenever our work involves the wellbeing of others. I think that it was a huge transition when I graduated school. I had worked in this same hospital for five years before that as a CNA. I did not realize the responsibility that came along with the initials. Many on this website seem to believe that there is not much difference between LPN and RN, but this is exactly where that difference is most apparent. The responsibility ultimately lies upon my back. I am not responsible for whether or not the LPN or CNA makes a mistake their practice unless I knowingly assigned them something that they were not proficient with. If you are new, you should be on your toes. I like to make lists of things that need to be done. I used to work on a telemetry unit and was in charge there often. I made a checklist for the charge nurse so I would not forget things. I carried a clip board with paper for note of things that I needed to do or follow up with every shift. This is one way to help yourself remember. As far as admissions go, or anything else that you feel takes you too long, do it more so you will become more efficient. Thats my bit of advice. Hang in there you will be fine. Keep working hard and do not give up!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 25, 2011

We see this every semester with new grads. Of course you want to do your best, but rarely is anyone perfect enough to never make a mistake. The trick is knowing how to plan ahead and recognize what MIGHT happen so you can prevent that. I was as stressed as you once. What finally helped me was overhearing two experienced nurses conversing about a mistake one had made and how it should have been handled differently. I thought WOW! If they are not perfect why should I be??

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Apr 25, 2011

I agree with Five&TwoWillDo. I think what you feel is totally normal. Transitioning from school to work is a new world and you will feel burnt out due to the workload. When I first started out, I also made a list, I wrote every little thing down in a little notebook so I wouldnt forget something. Just do the best you can, with time will come improvement. GOOD LUCK to you.