How can I stay in nursing after this weekend?

nurseiam08 · Nov 23, 2009

Hi, I know exactly how you feel. I worked night shift after graduating and then switched to days. Some days can be very fast paced and stressful, there are millions of things to do and not enough time. I realized though that if I don't take a lunch break, it becomes just an extra thing to be stressed out about. No matter how busy the assignment is, I have to force myself to plan a lunch break. If all the other RNs on the floor are too busy, could you ask the resource nurse (if you have one) or supervisor to keep an eye on the Pts? I find that even a few minutes away from ringing call lights and phones makes a huge difference. It helps me to relax and regroup, and I am able to focus better, thus getting more done afterwards. Good luck on the new shift!

ilovechadkrause · Nov 23, 2009

I just had a rough weekend too - worked 3 very BUSY day shifts in a row.

I am not complaining - I love being a nurse.... but some days, I ask WHY am I still here? :loveya:

It can be tough, especially if your unit is short staffed. I find that some days I feel very overwhelmed, especially if working with nurses that aren't keen on being a team.

Do you know the other nurses well? If you feel comfortable talking with them, maybe ask them for a few tips? Pointers? I know this isn't always easy.... there are several nurses on my unit that I wouldn't dare ask anything of, for various reasons.

I'm so sorry you've had a rough few days! Its a horrible feeling to be stressed out!

Best of luck with your next job at the new hospital.

SoundofMusic · Nov 23, 2009

Day shift can be rough. This is what I try to point out to some of our less than understanding night shift folks who seem to complain everytime I have to pass on a task or two to them at change of shift. We have to deal so much more w/ families who are there to "do business" and make constant requests for updates or time w/ docs or whatever.

7 patients is an awfully high ratio, though. Is this a tele unit? That would almost be unsafe.

We take 5 max on a tele floor. It's just impossible to do any more.

I work day shift becuase we seem to be better staffed than nights w/ techs. We also work well as a team, and I try to do for others as much as possible when my own assignment is lighter. I truly do. I can't stand nurses who take it easy every single time they get an easier assignment. Nothing is more demoralizing than to have the tough assignment and see others sitting on their duff doing whatever while you're utterly overwhelmed/crying, whatever! If I have absolutely nothing to do, I'm begging my co-workers to allow me to help them. It always comes back to me and that's how you work as a team.

ilovechadkrause · Nov 23, 2009

Yeah, I agree that a 7:1 ratio is WAY too high!

We've had this happen several times on our unit, because people just don't show up, or they aren't able to fully staff a particular shift,

Its just asking for problems....

On days like that, I realize that it isn't even worth it to stress myself out in getting EVERYTHING done. I do the important stuff first (med administration, assessments and charting) and then pick up the rest if I have time.

Usually the following shift (evenings) are slower paced and more fully staffed, so they can pick up whatever extras I missed.

maxthecat · Nov 23, 2009

A past supervisor once told me, "On this unit either nobody has a bad day or everybody has a bad day." What she meant was that we were expected to work as a team to get everybody's patients taken care of. If I had an easier load and was caught up and saw a peer struggling to keep afloat, it was expected that I and every other nurse who was caught up would jump in and help the person who was struggling. There was no suffering by yourself while your peers relaxed and chatted.

Shame on those nurses who did not help you!

OrthoRN09 · Nov 23, 2009

I work 12 hour D/N rotation. I choose to work more nights than days for all the reasons you listed. Your patient ratio 7:1 seems way too high. On our days shift we get 2-3 MAYBE 4 patients if absolutely needed. Those with 2 patients will get a post-op or admit sometime during the shift. Then night ratio is higher of course, 5-6 and sometimes 7. I also worked this past weekend (nights) and it went pretty well. Not crazy like most of my weekends.

ilovechadkrause · Nov 23, 2009

OrthoRN09 - what sort of unit do you work on?

I work on a bus acute care unit, and we usually have a 5:1 ratio - I would LOVE to have a 2 or 3 patient work load! But, perhaps your patients have more complex problems? At any rate, it sounds much better than 5 or 7! :)

CandyGyrl1985 · Nov 23, 2009

Keep your head up!

I would look at the other nurses not appearing to be stressed as a GREAT sign. It probably means that they acclimated to the pace and chaos and you will also. It is overwhelming and stressful being in a different environment (and I believe that going from nights to days can be that way, its just a whole other animal.)

Just keep going - remind yourself that "this to shall pass." One day you will look back and think, wow I cant believe I thought I couldnt swing this.

You can do it, just re-adjust your attitude a little and remember that you will adapt and you will ROCK IT!

I so know how you feel about the lunchs. I worked private duty and work from 8-8 day shift - 5 days a week. I NEVER get a break and forget about lunch. I believe that adds to my problem of getting overwhelmed. We have to get at least A break so we can recharge and get back to work. We are not energizer bunnies! Try your best to at least get a break or 2 in - even if you still cant get lunch.... Or talk with your manager about being able to get a cover while you take your breaks and lunches.

You can do it!

cargalrn · Nov 23, 2009

We have no resource nurse. The supervisor NEVER fills in on the floor. If I went to lunch, I would have fallen more behind and have to have worked late, which I can't do when I am exhausted and hungry, twelve hours is enough for me thanks, and I have to be back the next day.

I do focus on what I can do, but the call bells go off, my pt needs the bedpan again and I am the only one on the floor because there is no aid, a poor aid, and aid or nurse checking/talking/texting on their cells, etc. The assignments are made by popularity and friendship, as are the schedules. We had a pregnant nurse we had to lift for (which I dont mind) but she wouldnt do isolation rooms, and it was acceptable that she did this. I was fine with all this, but where is the help when I need it? I have had falls there that no one responded to. I pray my new job is better.

Thanks for all of the replies and support.

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Nov 24, 2009

I would be glad to be outta there. First of all, it does seem as though pregnant nurses get to say "i can't take care of that type, AND management lets them." second of all, unless you talk to the manager and they are actually going to do something about it, your wasting your breath.,...get out of there.

ilovechadkrause · Nov 24, 2009

WOW.... sounds like a very harsh work environment!

I get the impression that your unit is very political, lots of cliques.

Kind of like surviving high school.... only worse! ha

Its unacceptable that people are emailing/texting while on the floor.

They should be there to work.

I really hope your new job is much better!