Getting out on time

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I am a new grad and I have been on my own (off of orientation) now for 6 weeks on a busy telemetry unit. I more often than not leave late. I very often get backed up with passing meds (if we are super busy) and my point of care charting often goes wayward around lunchtime when things start to pick up. We give report to second shift at 5pm, but it is not unusual for me to stay until 7pm, give or take another 30 minutes. I also need to be much better at being ready for second shift when they come in. Around 5 I am sometimes still trying to rush and do patient care (such as meds, drsg changes, etc.) or I waited to call a doctor towards the end of my shift and he ends up calling when I am trying to give report. I know that I need to better prioritize those things. I feel that when I stay late, I am being too slow. I become critical of myslef and think our unit is too fast paced for me. Many people have said this is normal for new grads. So then, occationlally when I am able to leave on time, I feel like I am just rushing or missing something. Do other people feel this way as well? What are some acceptable reasons for staying late (such as major change in a patient's condition, you should stay late enought to help the next shift get control on the situation.) And what are some things that just need to be passed on?

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I am also a new nurse who works on a telemetry unit. I work 12 hour night shifts and I'm supposed to be leaving at 0715 every morning. I have been on my own for 2 months and haven't left on time once! I usually leave around 0800 if I'm lucky, that's a good day. Some of the reasons I am late leaving are charting, 0700 accuchecks, and making my last rounds. I usually grab the tech before she leaves at 0630 and ask her if she can help me check on my complete care patients to make sure I'm not leaving any messes for the oncoming shift. Even the incontinent patients that I check on all night long are usually in need of another change before I go.

I think getting out late is par for the course when you're new. I know that when I leave by 0730 (which is rare) I feel like I must have forgotten to do something! :uhoh21: I thought when I went onto nights it would be easier to get done charting but somehow I still never have enough time. My patients keep me busy overnight!

As for acceptable reasons for staying, I think anything that can't be passed on like meds due during your shift or charting, for example, is something that you need to do yourself. I think with time you will know what can and can't be passed on.

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

Maybe I'm doing something wrong but I'm always clocking out early as possible after report and have been out after 1900 or 0700 only due to talkative oncoming nurses. I'm sure a time will come when I get an admit at shift change that will screw it up, but I'm the type of person that stresses out a lot if I don't get everything done and on time. I DID give a med an hour late yesterday and that about freaked me out.

I give a brief yet thorough report and don't spend forever on minute details or trying to decipher what's going on with the family. I've had nurses try to give me 20 minute reports when they kept going off on tangents..and ughhh, just let me get my shift started already!

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

I work night shift so getting out late is usually not a problem, unless I need to call doc for unstable vitals, low h&h's, etc. However, I see day shift nurses that have been on our floor anywhere from 5 to 25 yrs staying as late as 8-8:30 to chart many times. We have a very busy floor.

Don't be too hard on yourself. :)

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In my opinion there are "good" days, patients relatively stable etc, and "bad" days where it will quickly become obvious that you won't get out on time. I am pretty happy getting off work within the half hour...the most I stayed was two hours and part of that was helping the next shift get stabilized (was a VERY bad day and the section very difficult, in fact it was divided differently the next day). I would suggest attempt to adjust your time, get a routine for med pass etc. on those "good" days...it shouldn't take long to get some ideas on the best way for time management.

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In my opinion there are "good" days, patients relatively stable etc, and "bad" days where it will quickly become obvious that you won't get out on time. I am pretty happy getting off work within the half hour...the most I stayed was two hours and part of that was helping the next shift get stabilized (was a VERY bad day and the section very difficult, in fact it was divided differently the next day). I would suggest attempt to adjust your time, get a routine for med pass etc. on those "good" days...it shouldn't take long to get some ideas on the best way for time management.

I agree with the above post.....I have attached a link I posted discussing this topic, hope it helps to let you know you are not alone.....:)

https://allnurses.com/first-year-nursing/first-year-nurses-285195-post2686662.html#post2686662

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