Med-Surg

[busy-bee]

I have been a nurse for seven years, all in LTC. I recently took a LPN position on a med surg unit. It is pretty overwhelming. The patients are fine, it's the computer I am having problems with. It just takes me so dang long.......all the other nursing are done with their assessments before I even get done with my first assessment. I am so use to looking at paper MAR's, that the medication administration list on the computer confuses the heck out of me. I am so cautious not to make any med errors which takes me a great deal of time administrating meds. I just want to make sure I do things correctly/accurately. And the reports are taped and the nurses go so fast...and sometimes you can't even understand what they say. I am being really hard on myself and thinking about going back to LTC, but I want this experience. I know I can do this if given time to get in the nich of things. Need some encouragement.

[CHATSDALE]

how much time were you given to train, frequently when a facility hires someone who has been a nurse for a while they assume that you have been doing pretty much the same thing that they are doing

if it is a big change ask for some extra training in the field that you are having trouble with

[Dolce, RN]

I hope that you still have a preceptor. You shouldn't be left alone until you feel safe to care for patients somewhat independently. Computer charting is often a huge hurtle for any nurse who is accustomed to paper charting. Don't be discouraged. You will find that, in time, you will be as fast as your coworkers. Taped report is fast. I usually try to look through the Kardexes either before report or during report. Often report goes so fast that you are unable to write down the information that you need. According to JCAHO you need to have the opportunity to ask the off-going shift any questions regarding their patients. Be sure that you have your questions asked. In time you will get used to the faster pace of report on Med/Surg. Med/Surg is a totally different specialty than LTC. Give yourself time to learn and cut yourself some slack. You have a wealth of knowledge from LTC to carry over into this new experience. Best wishes to you!

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

If it makes you feel any better, I "grew up" computer charting and when the system goes down and we revert to paper, I'm totally lost.

When I was on orientation and my preceptor would harangue me about speed, I'd repeat to myself "I can do it fast, or I can do it right." It was a pretty good mantra, if I do say so myself. Some day very soon you'll find yourself doing it both fast AND right.

[busy-bee]

Thank you all...tonight I had a great night, I hope for many of these.