overwhelmed

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in neuro/ortho med surge 4.

Hi all,

I need some advice from more experienced nurses. I have been a nurse for 14 months now. I would like to know how some of you handle having multiple things to do at the same time while having an admit to get to amongst other things. I feel like I am going crazy some times and get so overwhelmed that I cannot think straight. I notice that some of the other nurses are able to just handle things in stride and not let it get to them. I have asked other nurses how they deal with it and the answers I get are that they can only be in one place at a time and that they are doing the best they can. I run around like a maniac all evening and still get out of work late.

Thanks to all who reply. Any advice is appreciated.

Specializes in CMSRN.

I remember feeling like that. It will subside. Just prioritize, it will work itself out.

Breathe and laugh off what you can. Even experienced nurses will get frustrated at times but they will blow off what really does not matter.

PS Don't forget to drink and go pee as needed. Nothing like a thirsty nurse with a full bladder.

Specializes in Tele.
Hi all,

I need some advice from more experienced nurses. I have been a nurse for 14 months now. I would like to know how some of you handle having multiple things to do at the same time while having an admit to get to amongst other things. I feel like I am going crazy some times and get so overwhelmed that I cannot think straight. I notice that some of the other nurses are able to just handle things in stride and not let it get to them. I have asked other nurses how they deal with it and the answers I get are that they can only be in one place at a time and that they are doing the best they can. I run around like a maniac all evening and still get out of work late.

Thanks to all who reply. Any advice is appreciated.

It is very true that you can only do one thing at a time. When I was new, I felt overwhelmed sometimes, specially when I had the supervisor down my back. Now I so much do not care for her.

I do priority, and I do NOW tell my patients why I cannot be there. When I first do my initial assessments, and my patients ask me for towels, to take out their trays.... whatever... I just tell them "I will be back to do that, but right now I am just checking everybody"....... that way they know that checking other's health is a priority over their towels/soap/pick up dirty trays.

and I write it in the corner of my paper. when multiple rooms call at the same time, I do ask the charge or another RN to check one room for me as I am checking another patient. I do whatever I can by myself but when I need another RN, I do ask for help.

at my place of work you can write your end of assessment notes an hour before shift change, so that it what I do.... if there is a change during that hour, I will write it as an update.... that way I always leave on time. Don't get me wrong, from time to time something happens and I do leave later, but that is not often.

take a deep breath and things will get better. you will get used to the work, and get your own "hang" on things.

Specializes in Gerontology.

I let my pts know what I am doing.

First thing in the morning, I do vitals, etc. I let them know that I will be back with their meds and fresh ice water. I ask them if they need pain meds so I can bring them with their morning pills. I tell them the plan for the day. I find this prevents calls for "ice water" , "help with breakfast" and "pain pills" because they already know I am coming back.

For am care, I'll often have 2 pts washing at one time. I set up pt one - tell them to do what they can and I'll be back. Go set up pt 2 - tell them the same thing - return to pt 1. And so forth.

When I work evening shift, I'll ask them at some point if they want sleeping pills, pain pills etc at bedtime. Then I can bring them without running back and forth.

If something is going to take up a lot of time, I let my pts know. Today, I know one family wanted their father washed and dressed and up. I took 30 secs to go to them and told them that I needed to do something with another pt and family and as soon as I finished that, I would be back. I also told them it could be about 1/2 hour - I knew it would only be 15 mins, but by saying 1/2 hour, it gave me time. If I came back earlier - I look good. If I came back in 1/2 hour, I still look good and maintain trust. If I didn't tell them and just made them wait- no trust and possibly multiple calls for not just this request but through out the whole day.

Gain your pts trust on first rounds by telling them the plan for the day. Be honest if something is going to tie you up. "I have a procedure with another pt that will take about 1 hour. Do you need anything before that?". Always tell pts you will be longer than you think. That way, you build time to do little things (like pee!) but still meet their needs.

I find I have fewer call bells than other nurses because I tell my pts what to expect and give time lines so they know when I will be back.

Finally, I do try to stick my head in every hour. Even if all I do is stick my head around the door as I am bringing pain meds to another pt, they see me and know that I'm doing my best to take care of them.

Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Prioritization.

I let my pts know what I am doing.

First thing in the morning, I do vitals, etc. I let them know that I will be back with their meds and fresh ice water. I ask them if they need pain meds so I can bring them with their morning pills. I tell them the plan for the day. I find this prevents calls for "ice water" , "help with breakfast" and "pain pills" because they already know I am coming back.

For am care, I'll often have 2 pts washing at one time. I set up pt one - tell them to do what they can and I'll be back. Go set up pt 2 - tell them the same thing - return to pt 1. And so forth.

When I work evening shift, I'll ask them at some point if they want sleeping pills, pain pills etc at bedtime. Then I can bring them without running back and forth.

If something is going to take up a lot of time, I let my pts know. Today, I know one family wanted their father washed and dressed and up. I took 30 secs to go to them and told them that I needed to do something with another pt and family and as soon as I finished that, I would be back. I also told them it could be about 1/2 hour - I knew it would only be 15 mins, but by saying 1/2 hour, it gave me time. If I came back earlier - I look good. If I came back in 1/2 hour, I still look good and maintain trust. If I didn't tell them and just made them wait- no trust and possibly multiple calls for not just this request but through out the whole day.

Gain your pts trust on first rounds by telling them the plan for the day. Be honest if something is going to tie you up. "I have a procedure with another pt that will take about 1 hour. Do you need anything before that?". Always tell pts you will be longer than you think. That way, you build time to do little things (like pee!) but still meet their needs.

I find I have fewer call bells than other nurses because I tell my pts what to expect and give time lines so they know when I will be back.

Finally, I do try to stick my head in every hour. Even if all I do is stick my head around the door as I am bringing pain meds to another pt, they see me and know that I'm doing my best to take care of them.

Check your PM's Pepper!

Pepper is absolutely right. Exactly what I do.

Specializes in ICU Rapid Response.

I'm a float, often may not know many of the staff, generally don't have an NA and can have anywhere from 2-7 patients; so I try to be proactive. One of the first questions I ask on my rounds is "do you have to go to the bathroom" (amazing how often the call light goes off 30 seconds after you leave the room because your patient has to use the bathroom). I also ask if there is anything else they need (and give examples, i.e. water, toiletries, blanket) when I am going out to get something. When I am late to a patients room I apologize for it and explain why (without breaking any hippa rules of course). I also am upfront with patients that are "healthier" than my other ones. I believe it's OK for patients to realize that they may not the sickest person on the floor and others may get more of my time. I also encourage people to care for themselves (participate to recuperate). Unless my patient is a quad, there is no reason they cannot do at least some of their own hygiene. This isn't a Hilton. On the time management side I try to reduce trips. I always grab an extra IV bag for each patient on my first round. I pull out my meds during less busy pyxis times (I see my patients first and then pass meds). Try to have my IV meds mixed early so I don't have to wait for them to dissolve (I really hate zosyn!). I also check to see that I have all my specialty meds up from the pharmacy at the beginning of the shift so I don't have to wait for them. I chart I/O, V/S and meds as I go, in the room because I'm in the float pool and frequently move with a half hour's notice. Admits, of course throw a wrench in things. Ask only the required questions (we don't need to know the name of their first pet). Better yet memorize the required questions you need to ask and start on them the minuite your admit walks into the room. Get as much info as you can from the ER and admitting doc's notes. Order the old charts as soon as you know the name of your admit. Finally, go to the bathroom (I call it the office). Sit there for a minuite and plan how you are going to work through the next few hours. I'm way more efficient when I have a plan versus just reacting to what is going on. Also remember, it will eventually all get done ... somehow.

Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

honestly, It depends on your shift. Here's the way I break down a 5p-5am shift. We do "walking" rounds on our unit. when I get done getting report on a nurse's patients, the two of us go around and check them to make sure there are no issues(pain, complaints, IVs dry, etc.) If there are, offgoing shift takes care of those.

I go through my computer and pull up all my 1800 meds. I then go back and see each patient, give meds, assess them(which I can do in 5 minutes), and at the end ask "Is there anything else I can do for you right now?" If I have a admit at the start of shift, I will see that patient first, make sure they are ok. Assess them, and explain that I will be back shortly to ask them some questions, go over their home medications, and get them fully admitted to the hospital.

By the time I make it back around, I have time to get a drink, and pull up 2000 meds. Go back through and do it again. Then I may be able to chart on 1-2 patients, and give 2200 meds....chart on a few, then give 0000 meds.

It takes time. Is there a possibility that you would be able to shadow another nurse just for a shift due to your issues? Maybe talk to someone in education?

. Try to have my IV meds mixed early so I don't have to wait for them to dissolve (I really hate zosyn!).

in the uk pipercillain with tazobactam brand name is tazocin and it my most hated iv to mix and the whole hospital.

Specializes in OB, Peds, Med Surg and Geriatric Nsg.

This is my constant struggle at work. Eversince I got off orientation and on my own, I seem to leave work an hour late. Could I be written up for this? Last night, I had plenty of doctor's orders that needs to transcribed and made the family aware. I have no problem doing this, but it seemed like there's so much things to do and less time to do it. I haven't gotten a break nor a pee break and went home with a headache. Tried prioritizing, but it seems like it doesn't help a bit.

Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

Honestly, 14 months in, you should be settling in. Look to your peers whom smoke or sit alot that you feel still provide good care. Now evaluate which of these nurses you can look up to in quality patient care.

Approach two of them and ask them to mentor you in time management. Tell them you need help, still feel stressed and overwhelmed and need their expertise. There are many ways to skin the cat... meaning there are many safe short cuts and ways of doing things that save time. In addition, when you are pulled in many directions... you may simply be disorganized and can learn from others prioritization.

Some nurses never catch this on by themselves and need others to show them how they manage patient care and once shown can adapt several ideas to fit their own practice. I strongly suggest this to you.

At 14 months in, it's AOK... deep breath, you've missed time management and are now at a point to learn and focus upon it... seek the help, listen , watch, learn and practice.

It will be difficult at first to change your crazy ways of doing things... but stick with each idea you find may be helpful until it becomes natural, then add another.

+ Add a Comment