Med/Surg: When does this get easier?

[rairieRN]

I am new to this website and have really enjoyed reading articles from all of you!

I took a med surg position as my first RN job. I have been working about 3 weeks. It is a fun and fast moving job, it seems that med/surg is an unpopular area to work but i have to say if I can get my footing I think I could really love it. Now to my question: I am suppose to be able to care for 5 patients during the day and up to seven at night. at this point I am on training and have not worked any nights yet, since I am training, I am assigned to fewer patients, I am taking care of 3-4 during the day. This makes for a hectic and stressful day. I am usually rushing around feeling behind and afraid I am missing something, while the more experienced nurses care for 5 patients and trust me, they do not have that *I'm drowning* look in their eyes. when does this get easier? I know I just started but it feels as though I have mountains to climb to get to where I feel like I am somewhat comfortable. ,

When did you guys start to feel like you had your feet and what did you do that helped the process along, any advice would be great, or advise that you have received that was helpful. I just want to be competent at my job what ever that will take. Thanks!

[rairieRN]

sorry for the poor spelling, I see now there is spell check....kindly ignore errors if you would

[eleectrosaurus]

We've heard this again and again, dont worry your are normal!! It will take some time to find your groove. Ask some of the super nurses how they organize there day. Observe how they keep their info straight etc.

Stick with it, be confident and you'll be OK!! Promise!

[iamgabrielle]

I'm new too and I feel like I'm drowning and dying every single day.. I care for 5 pt everyday and the sucky part is that I still et transfers urgh

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Give it time! For me I think it took about 6 months to catch the groove. I love med/surg nursing! I've been a med/surg nurse for four years. When I was in school I never thought I would like med/surg. But after you catch the groove it makes a big difference. :)

[Pedsnurse77]

I hear this a hundred times a day. Even from the nurses who have worked on our med surg unit for years. There will be good and bad days. Hopefully more good

I don't know what the rest of the world is going through but I know it has been a rough road for us lately. I repeat over and over to the staff ( I am steady charge) " just keep swimming" lol from finding Nemo. I hope and pray everyday for things to get better for nurses in general.

Good luck and remember you are definitely not alone!?!

[Rachel S RN]

Give it time! For me I think it took about 6 months to catch the groove. I love med/surg nursing! I've been a med/surg nurse for four years. When I was in school I never thought I would like med/surg. But after you catch the groove it makes a big difference. :)

I couldn't agree more. I never saw myself as a med/ surg nurse but it has taught me so much. Stick with it! 2 years later I love it more than anything!I take a plain paper, fold in in half and the in thirds (to create 6 columns) and on one side I write the patients name, diagnosis, allergies, room number, diet,etc. that way when a physician calls i have it to quickly look at. on the other side the things I need to complete for that patient and cross them off as I go. Gives a good sense of accomplishment and keeps me organized. It's like a cheat sheet and you can fold it and put it in your pocket :)

[aboucherrn]

I started as a med/surg nurse thirteen years ago, and still love it!! You see so many different types of patients and diagnoses in med/surg, that you never know what your day will have in store for you. Even after thirteen years, I still have those days where I seriously question my choice of career, but most days I do my best, try to learn something new, and have fun with my coworkers! Hang in there!!!

[MSPRN]

I have been a nurse for 10+ years. I started out in med/surg and then decided to go agency and worked med/surg, ICU, ER, and mother/baby for 5 years. I was drawn back to the unit that I work on now which is a mixture of adult med/surg, Peds, and Hospice. I would not trade it for anything in the world! I am a preceptor for new grads, with 2 new grads each year. I am always learning something new myself. We can take care of up to 6 patients during the day shift where I work. Time management is something that I think everyone has a hard time with starting out. I start my day off with writing down who gets what meds first on my group of patients and assess them based on priority and then medications. I agree with the person above who takes a piece of paper and make columns and rows. I have been using the same form that I started with at my first job. Sooner or later, you will have that "aha" moment where things make sense and move along smoothly. Remember, everyone was new once and they care there to help you succeed!