It is hard to ask for help.

i can sympathize with your dilemma. however, don't be too hard on yourself; it sounds like you've been under a number of pressures with the new computer system and some new skills.

are you getting grief from the preceptor or other nurses for being late with tasks? (being late with a vitamin is hardly the end of the world---how late were you giving it?)

so i assume you've completed 3 weeks' orientation since you feel uncomfortable and have asked for the full 7 weeks.has your request been granted? if so, use all available resources to hone your skills and learn that computer system. i wish you the best of luck.

there's a few things you can maybe do ;

1/ quit being hard on yourself - moving to a new position is never easy, and it takes time getting used to computer charting, new faces and just generally the way that unit does things

2/ maybe keep a record on when you do things, like start/stop meds and review it at the end of the day . or start the day with a to do list with time frames for each pt and check it off as you go along (things will always interfere with that, but a general list so you know what your day's plan is)

3/ look at what you're delegating - are you doing things that maybe your tech could help out with?

hope all goes well in your next shift

i don't have any quick answers for you, but i just wanted to say to hang in there. :heartbeat

BlearnRN,

You need a hug .... {{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}

Seems like you have accurately "diagnosed" Time Management as your primary diffulty. Don't despair - this is absolutely the most common problem for new grads. Now, I know you indicated that you have 2 years experience, but some of that was per diem. In my experience as a clinical educator, it usually takes 12 - 18 months for a new grad to be able to multitask effectively.

The problem is usually due to difficulty with prioritization. Have you tried adopting a method of 'sorting' tasks into different priority categories? I usually recommend a 3-level scheme:

Urgent - need to do within 15-30 minutes

Soon - need to do within 3-4 hours

Should - need to do before the end of my shift (could be passed on to the next shift if necessary)

At the beginning of the next day, sort everything out & 'attack' your Urgent tasks, followed by the 'Soon' tasks... then tackle the 'Shoulds'. Each time something new comes up - give it a priority. Never drop everything to take care of a 'soon' or 'should' task.

When you delegate something - be sure to attach a priority label to it & communicate this to the person to whom you are delegating. I don't advise delegating any 'Urgent' items - these usually deserve your personal attention. Your assistant needs to be on the same page with you. Also, be sure to track back to make sure that they did your 'soons' and 'shoulds'.

What you're feeling is normal - don't be too hard on yourself. I know that it may be pretty trite, but if you're a true Millennial, you will probably never be really comfortable in an unpredictable environnment that doesn't have much structure - however, you can learn to cope with it very well.