New Grad on Orientation...Developing Slowly

[DH1234]

I am new grad nurse, and I just got done with my 4th week of orientation on the floor. But I feel like I am developing more slowly than the other new grad nurses on the floor. I only have taken 2 patients on my own...only 2. And I am freaking out. I feel like I should be progressing more quickly. One of the new grads on the floor already is taking a full patient load of 4. I think the reason that I am so behind is because I basically have a different preceptor each week compared to the other new grads. Everyone time I had a new preceptor they kind of wanted me to shadow them the first day to see how they did things than the second day I had them in the week they would give me 1-2 patients on my own. I guess it is partly my fault because in the beginning of the week I should have verbally express that I have taken 2 patients on my own before, so let me try 3 patients today. I feel like the 1st day of every week I am starting back at square one. And do not worry I am going to voice my concern to my nurse manager at our next one to one meeting.

Also, I am so bad at communicating with the patients in the sense I am not comfortable with educating them on some things. I am not familiar with all the post-op education for the different surgeries we commonly see on the floor. I am still learning meds and the different procedures. Also, my hand off report is awful. I feel like I should have been a lot further along since I had my immersion clinicals on this floor when I was a student. Do you have any advice for me? I want to become a good nurse but I feel like the rate I am going at I am going to be awful nurse or I am not going to make at a nurse.

[Dani_Mila, BSN, RN]

OP, I know this is an old post but I feel like I am in a similar situation. I am on my 4th week and I have been handling 2 patients still. However, I do sometimes help out with one of my preceptor's patient with assessments/meds/documentation, so sometimes I feel like I've been doing 3 patients. My NM wants me to have at least 3 starting next week but I want to take the advantage of taking care of 3 since I still have 2 more shifts until the 5th week. I still have 4 weeks left and I am expected to be able to handle 5 patients by the end of my orientation. I feel like I am progressing slowly as well. How did it turn out for you?

[BunnyBunnyBSNRN, ASN, BSN]

Do not rush this.  Just because other new grads are taking more patients doesn't mean they are better nurses.  If you feel like you can take more, speak up - learn to voice your needs now.