First Per Diem Job, and constantly flustered-- How long does it take to adjust?

[RNcDreams]

Hello everyone--

I Just started my first per diem job a few months ago (my specialty is Emergency). I've done a few 8h shifts and have picked up 4hrs here and there. I oriented for 3 or 4 shifts and they felt I was fine on my own.

My issue is that I feel like I am in a constant state of confusion. In comparison to my full time job, the charting is very different, sending labs is completely backwards, and the speed at which the patients turn over is much faster. The physicians order tests and tell the secretary but not the nurse, and often the charge nurse will ask me to put the patient's chart in the rack to be seen before I have even finished typing it. By the time I've figured out what I need to do and where my equipment is, I have a whole new patient to triage and get settled.

The norm here is to take the triage story, line, lab, and undress, monitor, and EKG the patient BEFORE you leave to type up the triage. Where I work, the charge nurse or float nurse triages while you work on the actual care aspect.

My regular full time job feels so intuitive compared to this... and yet, the patients are the same!

Any pointers on adjusting to per diem work?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!

[angel337, MSN, RN]

i work emergency also so i know what you mean. every ed is diferent and your per diem job sounds like they don't have as much support as your full time job. all you can do is just do the best you can and also ask for help. i'm quite sure the other nurses that work there full time have felt or do feel the same way you do. and also pay attention to how the other nurses get things done and see what their support system is. i think you will be fine you just have to give it time.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Be flexible and ask questions. Remember to be safe at all times and speak up when you feel you are not feeling that way.

[shiccy]

There are a few studies that this actually is the main topic of debate.

For the most part, after moving to a new unit or moving to a new hospital, the transition time is 1 - 2 years to feel 100% comfortable with everything and everyone. To note, also, this does NOT only affect NEW nurses. You could transfer to another unit after working at the same hospital for 10 or 20 years and you'll still have that transition time. Just the nature of the beast!