New Grad, new job -- being oberwhelmed

[kkRNyc]

Hi guys,

I'm a new grad RN and finally scored a position on a cardiac/tele floor. I love everyone there and have completed 4 shifts with my preceptor so far. I was hired for nights but I am precepting on days first.

I feel so overwhelmed. I actually cried the whole way driving home today. I know it's all new and I know I got a lot to learn ... And it's only been my 4th shift... But I feel like the slowest person on the floor and I am constantly just completing tasks. With all the assessments, med passes, and charting ... I don't even really have time to read up on notes or hx or anything

I know everyone tells me that I should give myself 6 months ...maybe I'm too hard on myself. I just felt very disappointed with myself today and just typing this is making me teary.

[weirdscience]

You'll be surprised at how much you change during orientation. And, although nights are hectic too, you will likely carve out a little extra time to read H&P's and stuff--not to mention the time you'll find once the tasks start to come a little faster. Cut yourself some slack! Maybe you are the slowest on the floor, so what? Everyone was, once. I just finished up an 18 week residency orientation. It gets better.

[kkRNyc]

Thank you so much for your kind words texasceleste :)

[OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN]

OMG!!! I am in a very similar situation. I am also a new nurse and I think its very overwhelming. It seems like things I could d as a student I hesitate now. I re-think everything, I just don't wanna mess anything up. I think though we both have to realize that I'm imagining it will feel like this for probably for awhile but we will survive. I look at all the nurses and I know I am no better or worse and if so many can make it I think I can too. It will just take time, studying, critiquing of myself, and faith in myself. I mean I noticed two big things you said in your post. One being that the nurses on your unit are nice, use their knowledge and advice as much as you can. I plan too and I really like the nurses I work with. The second thing was that you say you feel like the slowest on your unit but of course you are, everyone tahts new and learning like us is going to be. I think if I went too fast too soon it would be dangerous. Its sorefreshing though to read your post and know Im not alone.

[catlove]

Hey guys I'm in the exact same boat right now!! I was so overwhelmed today I actually cried while driving home. I hardly had a lunch and was constantly going all day making sure I completed VS, meds, doing drsgs, charting on time etc etc etc.

As a student on the unit I did very well. As a RN, I second guess myself too.

Let me know If it gets any better. I am glad to hear that other new grads are in the same boat!!