how many felt overwhelmed?

Always_Learning, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2011

I just started my RN job, and I'll let you know when I stop feeling overwhelmed...I wouldn't hold your breath.

Hugs to you. :hug:

natalia13 · Jul 12, 2011

I just started my RN job, and I'll let you know when I stop feeling overwhelmed...I wouldn't hold your breath.
Hugs to you. :hug:

im on the same boat. new grad working in a new location for 2 months. know my stuff but am always always on my toes.. dont get me wrong I Love my job, but some days are just hard.. and the public dont see that. they think we have so much time and are there for everyone.

Guest505077 · Jul 12, 2011

hi guys

First of all- you're not alone. I have been doing this a looong time- there many times I still feel overwhelmed- it's the nature of the profession- understaffing, pt goes "sour", unexpected admissions, dealing with emotionally upset families- the list goes on...

some advice- although there are a kijillion (is that how you spell it??) things to be done,take a deep breath, slow down- don't rush through things- especially your meds- that's how mistakes are made

never be afraid to ask questions- don't assume ( I still ask...) there is absolutely nothing wrong in doing that ( it's the new nurses that don't ask that make people wonder) and if you can, find someone you can confide in + trust

everyone needs one co-worker they can share with, who "gets things" like you do...

I wish you all well :nurse:

gigglymo · Jul 12, 2011

The general public has several incorrect beliefs regarding nursing.

1. There is a nursing shortage.

2. Nursing is easy! I mean, all we do is hand out a few meds and then we have time to sit at the nursing station playing on the internet, right?

3. All doctors are both nice and good-looking.

4. Surgeons are especially nice and especially good-looking.

I don't know that nursing is ever easy, and I'm not necessarily sure you ever lose the feeling of, "Oh shoot. WHAT did I forget to do?"

When I'm feeling down/overwhelmed, I try to focus on the little things I can do (or did) to actually make someone's day better - does the elderly lady in 217 want a warm cloth to wipe her face off in the morning? Can I make this bottle a little bit warmer so it might feel better in Bed C's itty-bitty tummy? I know it sounds corny, but it really is the patient interactions that make me like nursing. The constant computer downtime and silly administrative rules, etc. etc. can take a long walk off a short pier, as far as I'm concerned. :)

steelydanfan · Jul 12, 2011

Is it just me or do other people feel that nursing is sometimes very hard.
like we need to be on our toes all the time! med/orders/ transcribing, etc.. like one SIMPLE SLIP and something will go wrong or be reported.
I guess when working i have to keep in mind to calm down, stop rushing through things just to get them done.
Im sure 99% of us have felt this way sometime through our career..
what has helped? what hasnt? and what do you tell yourself when your feeling down and overwhelmed?
Thank you everyone

THIS is nursing. Get used to it , or get out of it; because it's not EVER going to change. And it will probably get worse.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2011

I'm a new nurse of 8 months....certainly, there have been times when I've felt overwhelmed. That's normal for all of us. But, I don't let it get to me. As mentioned, this is nursing. The work is heavier....and realistically, you have to be prepared for the unexpected. When I'm preparing for work, I always expect the worst, and hope for the best.

I'm also a second career nurse, so I think in many respects the transition has been easier. I'm used to multitasking and handling challenging situations. You learn to do what you can, but not stress as much with age.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jul 12, 2011

I feel my work getting away from me about twice a week. I'm more confident now that I'll catch patients crumping, but it seems that being overwhelmed is part of the deal.

BronxRN28 · Jul 12, 2011

I'm a new nurse of 8 months....certainly, there have been times when I've felt overwhelmed. That's normal for all of us. But, I don't let it get to me. As mentioned, this is nursing. The work is heavier....and realistically, you have to be prepared for the unexpected. When I'm preparing for work, I always expect the worst, and hope for the best.
I'm also a second career nurse, so I think in many respects the transition has been easier. I'm used to multitasking and handling challenging situations. You learn to do what you can, but not stress as much with age.

Hi Joanna,

After 8 months do you find yourself less anxious? I just came off training and last night was my first night without my preceptor. Most nurses have told me by 9 months to a year I won't feel as anxious as I do now. Let's hope that's the case

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2011

Hi BronxRN :)

Yes, after 8 months, I do find the work much easier than my first few weeks and months. You will too. Once you start learning your routines and gaining more confidence, it's much easier. The first month or two is hard, but just hang in there. Be patient with yourself, and realize you won't learn everything right away. I learn every day, and as I mentioned in my post, I'm ok with dealing with uncertainties, which is half the battle.

Good luck to all the new nurses!

nola1202 · Jul 21, 2011

Hi BronxRN :)
Yes, after 8 months, I do find the work much easier than my first few weeks and months. You will too. Once you start learning your routines and gaining more confidence, it's much easier. The first month or two is hard, but just hang in there. Be patient with yourself, and realize you won't learn everything right away. I learn every day, and as I mentioned in my post, I'm ok with dealing with uncertainties, which is half the battle.
Good luck to all the new nurses!

You know, I've been at this 25 years in one specialty or another, I still feel overwhelmed and anxious sometimes..ok alot of the time. Some shifts I feel like I'm riding down this huge hill on a bicycle with a very loose front wheel, I hold on tight and pray it doesn't come off cause I am gonna really get smashed up. I stop take some deep breaths, take a little med room break,( you go get meds and enjoy the quiet. No call bells or phones in here.) I sing in my head, seriously...if the day really gets bad I get caught humming under my breath. Someone will always say "well you're in a good mood." I just smile and think to myself...you are soooo wrong! On the way home I don't care how cold it is, I'll open my car windows all the way, blast the heater (or A/C if it's hot...and let it all blow away...later I take a shower and wash the slime off. (bad vibes, and mean people, sad situations...) I enjoy my time off and sleep as much as I want. I spend time with people who truly care about me and like me. That's what gets me through....and the cool patients who make your day. Or the confused ones that say or do something so funny it makes everyone crack up.

Thank God for the co-workers with a dark and warped sense of humor, I just take everything so seriously and every little mean comment to heart...you make me laugh and it's all good again. So don't sweat feeling incompetent and overwhelmed. I will learn something new every single day I am alive...How awesome is that?! This job never stops changing, the new advances in medicine and research being done is well worth the extra study, inservices and everything else we do to deal with feeling like we are not good enough, smart enough, enough, enough!