hmm don't really know whats going on

jmgrn65, RN · Feb 27, 2006

Hey guys
I graduated in may and took the summer off so I started working as a new RN the last week of september.. I have been off orientation since mid november... I have just been having a hard time lately.. i never get out on time.. I feel like I am always running around... I can never catch up... my charting sometimes waits till like 2-3 oclock ( I work 7a-7p) I feel like I hit a rut and I can't get out of it like I am not moving on... i don'tknow .. is this normal?? anyone else feel like this at this time in their career... also next month (march) I can start getting pulled to other units.. I am scared to death!!!! I can't even handle it on my unit let alone in the nicu or picu!! We had a mock code the other day (and a real one lol but I wasn't there for it ) and I felt os stupid like I didn't know what to do but I did at the same time... I'm just so frustrated lately .. maybe I shouldn't be a nurse? grrr helpp

Yes what you are feeling is very normal. It takes at least a year to feel comfortable. Try asking a co-worker you feel comfortable with, if she sees anything that you can change or imporve on. You are still very new and it takes time to find what routine works well for you. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Nursing in the hospital is teamwork or at least it should be. Hang in there you will get it.

thumperRN · Feb 27, 2006

Ask some co-workers that have been nurses while how they juggle charting, daily tasks, orders, etc. You may be able to pull a little away from each of them on developing a routine of your own. It worked for me. I do what ever charting I can do while I am doing the assessment, then I can always add more to it as the day goes. This of course not always possible, as I am often there after my shift is over tying up loose ends, but you'll get there. Remember that there is only 1 of you, and there is only so many things you can do at one time. Not only that, don't be afraid to ask for help! I often ask for a supervisor or someone to give me a hand with discharges or getting a pt ready for surgery. It's not considered weakness, it's considered smart for knowing what your pt's need and knowing that you can not DO IT ALL!!!

Hugs to you!! Hang in there!! :icon_hug:

LisaRn21 · Mar 1, 2006

Thanks guys.. I have been talking to a few coworkers and they just keep telling me it takes time... What really really makes me feel stupid is when I am giving report and they ask me questions about stuff ..stupid stuff like which kidney was the translpanted one and why is this med on hold.. and I don't have answeres cause I don't ask them it myself... it drives me crazty because they are such logical questions and I can't seem to think of them at the time ..

thumperRN · Mar 1, 2006

Thanks guys.. I have been talking to a few coworkers and they just keep telling me it takes time... What really really makes me feel stupid is when I am giving report and they ask me questions about stuff ..stupid stuff like which kidney was the translpanted one and why is this med on hold.. and I don't have answeres cause I don't ask them it myself... it drives me crazty because they are such logical questions and I can't seem to think of them at the time ..

It all comes with experience. You might get tired of hearing that, but chances are, in another year or so, you will hear someone saying, "I don't think I'm ever gonna make it through - I feel so lost all the time" , then it will be your turn to say, Hang in there, you'll get it in time.

:)

skittlebear · Mar 1, 2006

You are by no means, "stupid", just inexperienced. It will take time. Don't belittle yourself like that. Give yourself time and ask lots of questions. Just remember, all the more experienced nurses were new and felt the same way as you once. Be patient with yourself, it takes time.:)