First week

[Cinnamongirl]

Hey all, new to the forum. I just finished my first week of being a "real nurse". I feel totally overwhelmed. This is my first week of orientation, I feel like I know nothing and remember nothing from school.

I felt like my day was reckless, and I didn't know what I was doing. I of course asked questions, but it didn't help. My preceptor is really nice and encouraging and says I'm doing a good job, but I don't feel it.

My question is- is it better to keep taking a full patient load of 4-5 and little by little learn to get everything done, or take 3 patients at first and learn how to do everything (like taking off orders, etc) then take more patients as you can handle it.

Right now, i am really dreading going back to work and this scares me that i already feel this way and i've only been working as a nurse for one week.

Thanks, any advice is appreciated.

[TexasPediRN]

CinnamonGirl:

What you are feeling is completely normal - dont worry!!

I'm actually surprised you started with 4-5 patients. My suggestion would be to ask to start with 2 patients for 2 weeks, then 3 patients, and increase each week. This way you get used to the charting, care, etc, without being completely overwhelmed. Your preceptor should take the remainder of the patients, but be available to help you.

It takes a while for you to even feel like a nurse, after 2 years - I'm comfortable as a nurse. Each day brings new things to learn, as well as new challenges. It usually takes me 2 months at a new job to feel comfortable there.

Besides, you've only been doing this a week, so dont be so hard on yourself. Everything will come to you in due time. As for not knowing/remembering anything from nursing school - its completely normal!! Everyone has to learn from scratch after graduation, its just the way the nursing world works :)

Good luck!! You'll do great!!

[Danycejw2006]

I agree with MeghanRN. When I started my first week, I had 2pt's. I was able to pull orders and become very familar with the running of the unit and completed all my assigned tasks. I had 2 pt's for the first week and then I moved to 3 the second and third week. By week 5 I had 4pt's and things went smoothly.

I am now 9 months in and I take up to 10pt's (with in the day, never at one time) and up to 6 at a given time, assume the charge nurse role, and sometimes both at a time.

The organization and managing will come. Take the time you think you need to prepare and give safe effective care. Each person is different.

[Cinnamongirl]

THanks for the encouragement!

I am going to see how this week goes, then decide if I should ask to cut back to 3 next week. I just felt like I was getting only 25% of the things I was supposed to be getting done. I also felt like I was running around just trying to get all the tasks done without really knowing all of the things I am supposed to be doing, or putting things together clinically.

I am feeling a little (well alot) nervous to go back this week, but I'll just try to remember that everybody has to start somewhere and this is normal.

Thanks again.

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Wow, you have a really great attitude! As a fellow new grad I so feel your pain and wish you the best of luck. You seem like you have a very level head about you....something I wish I had more often! Take care!