First nursing job is at a nursing home and on my 2nd day I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. Anyone else experience this?

MJLPN727 · Aug 30, 2019

Oh absolutely!! try to not get discouraged. My first job was at a SNF as well and I still work in them. there is SO MUCH to learn. I think you absolutely should be taking it slow as a new nurse and I'm sorry to hear people were getting on you about being slow. someone told me when I was new that the scariest thing a new nurse can be is too confident. While you should overcome the anxiety and overwhelmed feelings with time, I don't think any good nurse ever truly feels they have it "all figured out." I hope you can feel comfortable at work next time to say "I'm sorry but being a safe nurse is my concern right now and I need to take it slow." With that being said, be open to feedback because there could be constructive tips for you to be more time efficient. time management will become a huge piece of your job, BUT as a brand new nurse right now you need to be thorough in finding out what's expected in your role and that does mean taking it slow. I really believe you will find you get faster and more comfortable in time, but that's exactly it... it takes TIME and you will not be comfortable in just a few days. Take it a day at a time, try not to take anything personally, remember how hard you worked to get here!! and know that a year from now you will look back and realize you have learned a lot and become a better nurse for having gone thru this first difficult year. Youre gonna do great

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Aug 30, 2019

If you weren't slow as a new nurse, you'd be dangerous.

You are going to feel overwhelmed, and that's ok. Then you'll feel better, for a few weeks, until you realize how much you didn't realize you didn't know on the first go around. Rinse, repeat. But each cycle will be shorter and less terrifying, until finally you retire.

RNjuice, ADN, RN · Aug 30, 2019

1 hour ago, canoehead said:
If you weren't slow as a new nurse, you'd be dangerous.
You are going to feel overwhelmed, and that's ok. Then you'll feel better, for a few weeks, until you realize how much you didn't realize you didn't know on the first go around. Rinse, repeat. But each cycle will be shorter and less terrifying, until finally you retire.

This is so true, but the cycle is almost daily for me. I am also a new RN in an LTC setting.

It goes one of two ways: I have an excellent day without major crises or I have what I call "learning experience" days where I identify 3+ areas where I could have handled things better.

Every day is a blank slate, an opportunity to build upon what I have learned, and a chance to try new techniques for managing time and to experience and become more comfortable with patient care.

Thankfully, no one has hounded me for being too slow, although I am slower than some of the other more experienced nurses, which is to be expected. They didn't have me start working on my own until 3 weeks in. Prior to that, I was shadowing other nurses and assisting. I'm now in my 5th week and have been working independently for a while.

There are good days and bad days. I am open for advice though, and I've started my own thread for that.

CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2019

8 hours ago, The0Walrus said:
It's my 2nd day of my first nursing job. It's a nursing home. They're letting me do everything in my own with someone watching me. I have some issues obviously since I'm new but they're getting really on me for being slow. So has anyone else felt a bit overwhelmed on the first job?

Only every nurse ever! Courage, this will get better in time.

napswithcats, ADN, CNA, RN · Aug 30, 2019

SNF’s are hard because of the amount of residents you get!! I recently started my first job, received “extra” orientation (A total of 6 days) and it was so overwhelming. I am floater and some sections have as many as 41 pt’s and I see nurses have to give meds scheduled at 5 pm and 9pm together in order to finish on time. I also see them charting assessments they didn’t do and ignoring changes of condition because they just don’t have the time. Sometimes they clock out and continue working. They have the best intentions but it’s just impossible to finish on time without taking shortcuts. Everyone is very over worked. But as you get to know your residents and the routine, you will get faster. But for now , don’t worry about your speed, worry about doing things right and eventually you will develop your own style, know where everything is. Who the picky ones are and have to get to first, who you can do last etc so your shifts will be a lot smoother.

MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN · Sep 2, 2019

I think most of us newbies feel overwhelmed starting out, I do & so do many others I know & many others who are well experienced now have told me "back when" they were too.

With that said, you may be more so if they are already rushing you to go faster on day 2.? We are slow starting out, we are learning & trying to do it RIGHT & SAFE, how they may not be understanding of that makes me wonder if they have realistic expectations for someone so new. All I can say is advocate for yourself & your training if you need to, if they dont have realistic expectations or aren't willing to meet you half way in your training, polish up that resume & start looking elsewhere more supportive✌