Frustrated discouraged new grad

Nurses New Nurse

Published

  • Specializes in cardiac, stroke, special care.

I am a new grad on a stroke/telemetry unit. I am really feeling overwhelmed. I am one of about 5 new grads. I am the only PM swing new grad. My problem is that I do about 30 minutes overtime almost every day. I cant seem to get out on time with the other vetrans. I have no other new grad to compare my progress with because they are not on my shift and I was hired before them so they are still orienting. The only one before me works 12 hour grave shift. She says she always gets her work done on time. I have also overlooked a medication for a patient and the grave nurse had to give it on her shift. My charge nurse pulled me aside and told me to manage my time better which almost brought me to tears. She said to pay more attention to detail so that people wont talk about me behind my back once I'm gone- which makes me wonder if that has already been the case. I went home last night feeling like total "code brown". I need any advice in time management or encouragement or similar experiences..............

Editorial Team / Admin

sirI, MSN, APRN, NP

17 Articles; 44,729 Posts

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

We moved your thread to 1st year after licensure so members can assist you.

Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

That sucks that you're unable to converse with the other new grads on the unit. I think the best/most helpful part of my residency program is getting that time to chat with the other new grads on my unit and to get a feel for what is normal, what others are also struggling with, and what I need to work on, personally. Do you think that any of the other new grads might be receptive to you guys getting together for drinks on a day off or anything like that? Just to chat or, more importantly, vent. Even if the others are still on orientation, I think just getting to talk about your own achievements and frustrations is extremely therapeutic.

Personally, I don't think that having to stay over to finish your tasks is a bad or even unexpected thing. Especially as a new grad on a swing shift. Night shift is a different pace. (Back story - I've been off orientation and working nights for a month, did most of my orientation on days.)

What's important is that you finish all tasks allotted to you on your shift. Other nurses will talk if you start to become known as one of those who doesn't tie up loose ends, although hopefully you'll be given a little bit of slack at first. 'tho overlooking a med sounds more like a med error issue than a time management issue.

mom35

507 Posts

Let me tell you, I graduated in May 2011 and started my job Dec. 2011. I still have days that I stay HOURS, not minutes to finish my charting- and I work night shift. So dont feel bad!

gallatea

53 Posts

Skip lunch and breaks, that's what I do. And if anyone asks, yes, you took your lunch or break. I think a lot of nurses finishing on time are good at prioritization - and by this, it's not a compliment - it means they cut corners big time and do what's only necessary legally and ethically. Ignore all else. In school it always felt like a rat race.

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