I know that as a new nurse within the first three months of orientation you're not going to learn and see everything. And this I understand. But at this point in orientation I do not feel as though I've done much and I feel as though I should have done more. I like my preceptor. But at times it's hard to get her attention when she is orienting another preceptee or trying to solve the other preceptee's problems which arises. Also, she even acts as charge nurse. She has a lot on her plate. But because of this I believe that skills I should learn before I go off orientation have not been done. For example, yesterday was my first time attempting to put in an IV. I was unsuccessful. I should add that she was too frustrated to show me so someone else stepped in to do it.
In addition, I work on the surgical unit. It is very stressful, especially during the week days. So much admissions and discharges. What even makes it worse is that I'm trying to practice
delegating but it is hard when there are 45 patients, 3 aides (one of which is a sitter). So when there is no one to delegate to, I do it myself. And in a given day what happens, I miss 12 oclock meds for one patient. I give my last 6 o'clock meds at 8pm. I finish documenting at 9pm in a 7am-7pm shift. Can you say I'm burnt out already and I'm not even on my own, even though I do feel that I am most of the time.
There have been days that I feel as though I should drop everything and quit. There are days that I like (weekends). At the end of those busy days, I do not feel as though I spent enough time with my patients. I do not feel as though I paid attention to them as much as I should. I find myself apologizing for being late and/or following up with my promise. New nurses on the same unit who have been off of orientation for a few months verbalize hating the place. That stresses me out too because I start to foresee in their place a few months from now.
