First Day off Orientation

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a new grad RN (graduated in may) and landed my first job on a med-surg unit in december and have been with a preceptor until today, was up to 6 pts with a preceptor. I got on the floor today, my first day off orientation where I would be by myself. I saw that i had 7 patients and learned during report that they were all complete care, had wounds, all on accuchecks, and all quite sick! I did not sit down for 1 moment today at all. I also discharged one of them in the middle of the day. (which is alot of paperwork) I felt so overwhelmed and i didnt get all the things I wanted to get done. There is a charge nurse that only has 3 pts so she was able to help me when I needed it. Idk why I feel this way.. but Im not proud of myself.. i feel like I could've done more. I believe that all the paperwork and documentation really takes away from patient care. Also--my time management sucks! But I hear that comes in time. I tried my hardest and every patient did survive. Please tell me this gets easier, I want to be a better nurse for my patients.

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Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.

Honestly I'm going into this thinking the day I think I couldn't have done better is probably the day I should call it quits.

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

Plain and simple you got hosed on your assignment.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Yes it gets better but it takes time. In 3 months you will be better. In 6 months you will be better, feel better,faster and get most of it done. By one year you will be rocking it. Time management takes time, learning to prioritize takes time. You will figure out which system works best for you. If you have supportive co-workers this journey will be easier.

Hang in there and keep your head up.. It is rough at first

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.
Honestly I'm going into this thinking the day I think I couldn't have done better is probably the day I should call it quits.

I think I know what you mean with this statement, but do you mind explaining it a little more?

Are you saying that you'll leave each day from work feeling like you did your very best?

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

They should have started you out with five and let you work your way up to six. Sounds like the charge nurse is taking advantage.

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Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.
I think I know what you mean with this statement, but do you mind explaining it a little more?

Are you saying that you'll leave each day from work feeling like you did your very best?

You do your very best every day, but you should always want to do better. The day you don't is the day you should call it a career.

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Hey Gi,

I am also a new grad.. landed a job on a "combo unit" (med surg/ICU/telemetry). I don't know how long your orientation was for but I went from med surg for 1 month, to my floor (day shift) for 1 month, ICU for 1 month, back to my floor (primarily alone-- still days), to the night shift for 1 month then I was OFF orientation finally lol. I feel that I was well prepared, so I can't really relate. In due time however, you will develop a flow because you will become familiar with the tasks.

Good luck!

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