Need Encouragement

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Hello All,

I am a LPN, graduated in Nov.08 . Started at a hospital in the float pool in May 2009. I have been on my own now for 6 months this month. I still feel overwhelemed most shifts and like a dummy. I am still having problems with when to call the doctor..... like whrn you need to hold a BP med, etc. When is it ok and when is it not. Alos how much is it ok to leave for the next shift. A couple of weeks ago I had one leave for surgery at 6pm, at 615 I had a new post op come in, at 0630pm I had another post op come back to the floor. I got everthing I could on the first post op settled , tried to hang the Ancef and give the Lovenox to the other but they weren't profiled, US had not entered orders yet and we were out of the mini bags for the Ancef so I called pharm. , went ahead and did shift report , told him of things not done and pharm called, while doing shift report post op called and wanted to know why the pt that went down for surgery had not received his 1800 dose of his BP med!! I had toltally forgot in the midst of it all!! I felt so stupid and so bad for leaving my work for the night shift. I thought it was supposed to get better ....

Any advice and or encouragement appreciated.

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When I was a new nurse, I looked at the most organized nurse on the floor and looked at their best practices.It helped me.

You are not alone every new nurse in overwhelmed. You will get through this.

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How much time did you get in training before you were on your own?

Working float pool is tough and I would imagine for a new nurse it is even tougher. Hang in there...with time it will get easier!

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Specializes in OB/GYN,L&D,FP office,LTC.

Your speed and organizational skills will improve. Ask other nurses to share some of their tips.

Are you concerned about your pt's BP is too low? Verify orders with the MD. The first year is

difficult but you will become more confident as time goes on.Try not to put yourself down if

you make a mistake.We learn from our mistakes.I think you are going to be fine.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

Just take it as a learning experience. Remember that pts going to OR should most always receive their BP meds because of rebound HTN after surgery.

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