I just finished my 2nd week off orientation as a new grad and feel that all I'm doing is running around giving meds ALL DAY. I work 7a/7p and have been staying until 9:30 to do charting. I don't have time to look at labs, orders, do dressing changes...nothing.
Last night a slightly more experienced nurse told me she gives ALL her morning meds at ONE time (as long as it's safe). She even gives antibiotics early (due at 10 given at 8). I do full assessments and she told me she does focused assessments only. She said she used to stay that late catching up, but was griped at for OT so she had to do something.
Is this common and acceptable??? Last night I had a new admission which took me forever right before shift change and I missed two antibiotics, dressing change, and my 6 p.m. feeding to unconcious PEG tube pt. I did them all, but was there until 10 p.m.
Everyone says things will get better with experience, but by experience do they mean you learn you HAVE TO cut corners in order to get everything done in 12 hours????