:( Horrible shift :(

[sarahg88]

I'm in my second week of being an LPN on my own in an acute care setting, about 6 shifts so far.

I had 5 pts tonight and 4/5 were heavy care. TONS of meds, three of them were given to me as transfers at the beginning of shift which threw things completely off. I felt so disorganized, disorientated, and anxious all night. I used my breaks to catch up on my charting because i was swamped. The transfers never had all of there meds transfered with them so when it came time to pour I was panicking about the meds not being there. I had to call pharmacy and have everything reordered for 2 of the pts which through off my med admin completley. Did I mention I had 8 sheets of medication to give from 1600-2300?

Will things ever get better? I feel like I don't know what I'm doing and that people are annoyed with me asking questions and needing help/guidance.. especially the charge nurses.

Has anyone else had or are having a similiar experience? I feel like I'm all alone in this whirlwind.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

It will get better :)

There will always be looney nights, and shifts where it all seems to start out in the weeds and never get better- but YOU will feel more comfortable in your assessments, skills, and overall knowledge.

It takes time to feel like you've got a handle on things....I used to tell new grads that nursing school tells you how to not kill someone on purpose- everything else comes with experience...:)

Just keep asking questions, and taking your time with things- and if you need help, let the charge nurse know.

Welcome to the flock :)