Ugh I am so mad/sad with myself. Last week we started 3rd semester on the med surg floor. 3rd day of semester, 2nd day of clinical we are let out on too the med-surg floor to pass meds. I was freaked out because I haven't done anything med-surg related since 1st semester. Our 2nd semester was OB, Peds, and Psych were not doing any charting, just observing and helping. We also didn't give any meds either. So here I am trying to pass meds (PO SQ IM)(IV as well but not with out instructor or RN present entire time) on 2 pts and do any drsg changes. So I am a little rusty but it wasn't so bad, I didn't have that many and was able to look up all my meds prior to admin. So this week we spent Tues and Wednesday on same floor doing total pt care, charting, and meds. At least I only had 2 pts. I was running around all day yesterday and today. I feel unorganized and like a huge moron. I get nervous when drawing up meds and forget everything. When my RN was standing with I messed up on drawing Reglan and we had to waste it. :smackingf I knew what I was suppose to do but felt so nervous and so rushed because we were running behind! My charting was horrible; I didn't even get a chance to eat until I got home. If I wasn't passing a med every hour, doing BS checks, drawing insulin (trying to track down RN to witness), then I was trying to look up the next med, review proper admin, and trying to finish charting. Also the hospital cut back drastically on CNAs (phew they work hard) so I was trying to clean up one of my pts myself. I had a dressing change that I was trying to get done but my RN wanted me to wait so she could come in assess the wound with me. It wouldn't be so bad if everyone else in my clinical group was just as overwhelmed but it appears they are not. A couple of them seem to really have the knack of it. They work as student interns at a couple of local hospitals and that experience looks like it is really helping them. Looking back now I wish I would have taken a job as an aide last semester instead of continuing to work at my current job full time. I realized last Wednesday that I really need to get some practice. So I called a local hospital about and extern position but don't even meet with HR until Fri. I love my clinical instructor but she can't be with me all the time (10 people on 2 floors). Before the end of this rotation she wants us to take on 4 pts! I really need to get my self together. Sorry for the long post but I really needed to vent before I get depressed and cry. Has anyone else ever felt this overwhelmed? Any tips? Thanks for listening!
Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.
Even those of us who have worked as nursing assistants get nervous and have challenging days. Give it time. You will see that your classmates will too.
That is my biggest fear. I had OB/Peds last semester and the whole summer off, so I feel like I forgot everyhthing! Just remember that tomorrow is a new day, and just keep moving forward. It will get easier! I remeber feeling like an idiot in Med-Surg, but by the end of the semester I was OK. You're in school to learn, so just take in as much as you can! :)
Big hugs, Lunakat! I understand your feelings because I feel that way too! And I only have ONE patient right now! I find comfort in my instructor's words that it will get better and that organization takes time. I believe she's right. We will get better. Making mistakes is just another learning experience too. I forgot to reassess my patient after I had her do C&DB! But I'll never make that mistake again! And I bet you won't make the same mistake with the Reglan again.:)
Thanks to everyone who replied. You have meade me feel so much better. It's nice to know I am not the only one. :) I have a meeting in about an hour with the HR of the local hospital. I am trying to get a job as an extern so I can get more experience. Wish me luck and good luck to every one who suffers from problems similar to mine!
I really need to get my self together. Sorry for the long post but I really needed to vent before I get depressed and cry. Has anyone else ever felt this overwhelmed? Any tips? Thanks for listening!
wonderbee, BSN, RN
1 Article; 2,212 Posts
Even those of us who have worked as nursing assistants get nervous and have challenging days. Give it time. You will see that your classmates will too.