Is this Normal?!?

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I just started working as an lvn in a LTC for 3 weeks, and working by myself for 2. Let me start of asking this question....is it only normal to feel overwhelmed and totally lost?!? I feel like a chicken with its head cut off. I literally have so much stress...with medication pass, doctor orders, labs, family, and charting. I feel as though their isn't enough time in a day. So many patients so many things that needs to been done. I try all I can the best I can for my patients. I get discouraged on how the other nurse finish so fast and here I am still passing out medications. Talk about really SLOW!!! SIGH! My schedule is from 7-3, but I don't get my stuff finished until almost 7 p.m. It's so hard to take in everything. I want to have time assessing my patients, but it seems as though all I have time for is passing out their medications. What should I do?:banghead::o

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I can relate totally. It is very stressful. I don't worry about being slow. I think the fast ones aren't as thorough as I am. I posted below about this too.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
I just started working as an lvn in a LTC for 3 weeks, and working by myself for 2. Let me start of asking this question....is it only normal to feel overwhelmed and totally lost?!? I feel like a chicken with its head cut off. I literally have so much stress...with medication pass, doctor orders, labs, family, and charting. I feel as though their isn't enough time in a day. So many patients so many things that needs to been done. I try all I can the best I can for my patients. I get discouraged on how the other nurse finish so fast and here I am still passing out medications. Talk about really SLOW!!! SIGH! My schedule is from 7-3, but I don't get my stuff finished until almost 7 p.m. It's so hard to take in everything. I want to have time assessing my patients, but it seems as though all I have time for is passing out their medications. What should I do?:banghead::o

It is perfectly normal to feel the way you are feeling-I think it takes 6 months to a year to start feeling comfortable.

It will get better as you learn the routine.Your med pass will get faster and you'll be able to structure your day more efficiently when you are more sure of yourself.I have days like that,too-I float so I'm on a different unit every day and I can never find anything.I spend alot of time opening and closing cupboards and drawers. However when I'm on a unit I'm more familiar with I know all of the residents habits and the med pass is easier. I can run the treatments out at the same time. Give yourself some time-take a deep breath when you feel yourself starting to tense up.Also-concentrate on that med pass-don't allow interruptions unless it is really something that needs your attention right away.

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when you're fairly new at a place then it will take time to get to know residents and routines, but you will get to know them

and you will find ways to organize your time and activities - so will become more efficient

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Its like that at the place I work PRN. When I was doing shadowing I was still passing out 9am meds at like 12 and everyone was saying that was normal. I am glad I work there every once and a while and not full time I would go crazy. I know I will be looking for a place that has a smaller ratio when I get a chance. :uhoh3:

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

hi, truheartofanurse, and welcome to allnurses! :welcome:

is it only normal to feel overwhelmed and totally lost?!? i feel like a chicken with its head cut off. i literally have so much stress...with medication pass, doctor orders, labs, family, and charting. i feel as though their isn't enough time in a day. so many patients so many things that needs to been done. i try all i can the best i can for my patients. i get discouraged on how the other nurse finish so fast and here i am still passing out medications. talk about really slow!!! sigh! my schedule is from 7-3, but i don't get my stuff finished until almost 7 p.m. it's so hard to take in everything. i want to have time assessing my patients, but it seems as though all i have time for is passing out their medications. what should i do?:banghead::o

yes, this is normal for a new grad. it will take you almost 6 months to become acclimated to your first job. three weeks is not enough time to start beating yourself up. wait for 6 months before you start comparing yourself to the other nurses. you are a new grad and have a lot you have to learn yet. nursing school didn't teach you everything. your boss should be aware of that (if they are any kind of good boss) and will give you the time you need to do that. just keep working toward mastering the things you need to do during your workday. i know they seem like huge challenges right now, but it does get better. i started out working in long-term care and although i did eventually move to hospital work i still often worked in nursing homes in part time jobs so i am very familiar with the work situation. it just takes time to get yourself organized and more proficient with what needs to be done. so, hang in there. we all go through this period of adjustment and learning as new graduate nurses.

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