Help! Overwhelmed

[sam26]

I need everyones help, I have been an LPN for a little over 2 yrs, out of which a 1 1/2yrs. was in a methadone clinic. I feel so handicapped in my nursing skills!

Today was my first day at an urgent care clinic and I'm feeling so insecure. I couldn't remember needle gauges for IM's, never did an EKG, didn't know decadron was to be mixed with the phenergan.....and on and on. I really want this job and want to learn but I feel as though once I'm off training I won't be able to work independently and don't want to overwhelm other nurses with constant questions. I told them I felt like a new grad, they just laughed and said I'd get the hang of it. Truth is, I'm scared! I have been studying non-stop since I got home. Should I tell them I'm not experienced enough for this job?

Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated, negative or positive you won't hurt my feelings.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Hey! The last time I did an EKG was over 6 years ago during my training to become a medical assistant. I have never done an EKG since and, honestly, wouldn't know how to properly do one if someone demanded I do it right at this minute. Decadron is to be mixed with Phenergan? I didn't know that! Then again, I'm a newer nurse who completed school less than a year ago. Also, I readily admit to my coworkers if I don't know something. I never, ever pretend to know things. Just be honest and tell them whenever you encounter a situation that's totally new to you. Good luck.

[CALI1025]

I finished the LVN program last year and took my test thereafter. Unfortunately, I failed this exam with 205 questions. I decided then to apply to a clinic where I got hired as a medical assistant. I work with other MAs with high expectations of me because they knew that I trained as a nurse. I was overwhelmed at first because I had less experience and working as an MA is slightly different. They had better trained in giving injections, for example (based on info I received), which is my weakness. I was only trained in the hospital for a brief time during my clinical days. I did not get much exposure on injectable meds, although it was necessary to pass such skills. Often times, because I get so nervous, I would go blank for a second whenever I am told to give injections. I had my IV certification which only took place for a week. Despite of what others might say, I was honest about my lack of experience and they were happy to teach me (not all). But I tell myself "it is better to ask, be honest and learn things than pretend you know and make an irreversible mistake". Think about it.

I recently passed my NCLEX and got my license in July. I know most of things now at work. At times, I still get nervous but I just take anything new as a challenge. My manager recently changed my title to LVN and received a $6 raise pay.

[Pertlvn03]

I was just wandering? Did you get two orders from the doctor to mix this two meds or did the instruction came from a product insert? I guess it could happen. Like Rocephen can be mixed with lidocaine to minimize discomfort when given IM especially for children but to mix meds with other drug it has to be ordered by the doctor.

[HotmaleSPN]

as for the Ekg they say black smoke over red fire, white clouds over green grass, and brown in the middle, unless you mean a 12 lead ekg which I dont know anything about, anyway alot of nurses tell me your learning starts after you graduate nursing school, you cant know everything, thats why they have doctors lol

[Dempather, RN]

Hi Sam. I think one of the greatest misconceptions when starting a new job (whether it be nursing or something else) is believing that we need to know everything as soon as we start. Don't be ashamed to admit when you don't know something, and always ask questions. It's much better to ask for help than give off the impression that you know something you don't (more problems may occur if that happens). Give yourself more time to determine whether or not you're adequately prepared for the position. Chances are, you can do this.

[sam26]

Thanks for all the encouragment. My husband said he's going to remind me of how I'm feeling now in a few months and I'll probably laugh. I guess I feel like I should know all this because I'm not a new grad. The DON knew my experience and work hx. before she hired me so they should know I need extensive training, right? I'm the first to say I'm not comfortable with a procedure or I don't know how, my fear is once I'm done with training and I run across things I don't know.

Thanks again everyone, I feel more confident about going in on Tues.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I just became a nurse in June, and was hired at the hospital that paid for my education to work in a clinic. I had to work 6 weeks in med-surg and now, I am orienting for the second time in 6 weeks in the same clinic that I worked at as a patient care associate. The transitions were constant from graduating from school and working in my patient care associate position, then studying and passing the boards and then orientations in two vastly different positions.

Ask questions, no matter what. People admire a person who is not too high on the hog about admitting what they don't know rather than an arrogant person that will risk the safety of the patient as well as the facility. And, it DOES get better. Key thing, also, is to be kind to another newcomer, because you'll remember how you felt when you started. Good luck!