How Behind Do You Get?

[lisa41rn]

Today was the third worst day I've had since starting four months ago. I suppose that's a good record. I only had four patients today, but they were all tough. I had three units of blood to give two patients and never even got to either!! Everytime I'd make progress and think I'll get that blood started, I'd get a call from a doctor with more orders for another patient, or a call to send someone for testing. When I finally had a chance, one had a temp and the other was still off the floor. You'd think sending a patient down for testing would free up time, but I'd get calls to come down and give them pain meds or something. Like I had time to go off the floor.

Today was tough enough, but when the evening shift started and had to hang blood or finish my leftovers, you'd think I was the worse nurse going. I can't even remember a day I've had to leave so much for the next shift. I felt bad, but their attitudes made me feel worse. I think one was even complaining to the nurse mgr who later said something to me, but was her usual nice self to me. She acknowledged I had a tough day and that I wasn't sitting around doing anything. This sounds ridiculous but I actually didn't even go to the bathroom all day!! Eat lunch?...please!!!

I really think today was enough for me. I really wanted to make it a year, but I don't think I can make it that long. I hate it. There are times when things do seem better. I know I've made great progress, but I'm sick of trying so hard to be positive. All I get for suggestions is to ask for help when I need it. Well I did that today and got none. I went home an hour late (I know it could be worse) but I felt I needed to touch base with everyone on the next shift regardless of the fact they acted so grouchy and unable to be understanding. Again, if I was always picking up for another nurse, I'd be irritated, but that has never been my norm. I make sure new bags are hanging for the new shift and things like to help them. So much for the thanks.

Can anyone relate? I can't imagine things getting better. Hearing the first six to 12 months is the toughest isn't making it any better. Any suggestions?

[lisa41rn]

Hi Grinnurse - The day I explained was my third worst day. I definitely realize I'm lucky though. It's not a bad record at all. Many nurses I know from orientation are having a much harder time on their floors. The funny thing is that looking back, my other two bad days weren't probably half as bad as Monday was. I think it was just lack of support that eventually got me.

Last night during my double I caught a mistake of a veteran nurse. She actually is the oldest nurse to hold an RN license in our state. She was shocked that I caught it but was appreciative. It was actually something that had been missed a few nights and was never caught. It just goes to show we never can be perfect, especially in nursing!!

I often think of giving up, but I don't want to be a quitter. For those of us going through the same and tough it out, I think we'll all end up being the better nurses!! Keep smilin'

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

When it comes to leaving stuff for the next shift to do, remember that the hospital runs 24 hours a day, and you are part of a healthcare TEAM. I often come in to work and end up helping out day shift hang their 4pm iv fluids [in NICU we change all iv fluids q day] But come 6am, after we call the doc with am labs, sometimes I don't have time to finish up charting, write orders, check on my babies and hang blood, give bicarb before day shift walks in a 0645. People will always grumble. Just make sure you don't leave your pt in a dangerous situation, and walk away. One morning I didn't leave until 0930, 2 hours late. AND I had to drive 45 minutes home to sleep before returning 8 hours later for another night. I've been working for 4 months, and thank GOD the crappy days are few and far between compared to the ok days. Hang in there!!!:roll

[GrnHonu99, RN]

Today was the third worst day I've had since starting four months ago. I suppose that's a good record. I only had four patients today, but they were all tough. I had three units of blood to give two patients and never even got to either!! Everytime I'd make progress and think I'll get that blood started, I'd get a call from a doctor with more orders for another patient, or a call to send someone for testing. When I finally had a chance, one had a temp and the other was still off the floor. You'd think sending a patient down for testing would free up time, but I'd get calls to come down and give them pain meds or something. Like I had time to go off the floor.

Today was tough enough, but when the evening shift started and had to hang blood or finish my leftovers, you'd think I was the worse nurse going. I can't even remember a day I've had to leave so much for the next shift. I felt bad, but their attitudes made me feel worse. I think one was even complaining to the nurse mgr who later said something to me, but was her usual nice self to me. She acknowledged I had a tough day and that I wasn't sitting around doing anything. This sounds ridiculous but I actually didn't even go to the bathroom all day!! Eat lunch?...please!!!

I really think today was enough for me. I really wanted to make it a year, but I don't think I can make it that long. I hate it. There are times when things do seem better. I know I've made great progress, but I'm sick of trying so hard to be positive. All I get for suggestions is to ask for help when I need it. Well I did that today and got none. I went home an hour late (I know it could be worse) but I felt I needed to touch base with everyone on the next shift regardless of the fact they acted so grouchy and unable to be understanding. Again, if I was always picking up for another nurse, I'd be irritated, but that has never been my norm. I make sure new bags are hanging for the new shift and things like to help them. So much for the thanks.

Can anyone relate? I can't imagine things getting better. Hearing the first six to 12 months is the toughest isn't making it any better. Any suggestions?

how frustrating...i hope it gets better for you.