New Grad wants advice

alphabetsoup · May 8, 2011

My dear, I don't know anyone who would give 16 weeks of orientation. That's 4 months! I think what you will find is that your confidence will improve as you become acclimated to your new job. IF and notice that's a big IF, you are having difficulty near the end of your orientation, then it may be possible to have a bit more time. But that will be at the discretion of your new boss. Also remember that your preceptor is also likely giving periodic feedback to the boss.

Everyone has a routine that works for them. Bear in mind that what works for your preceptor might not work as well for you. You just need a bit of confidence in yourself. You made it to the prom, now you are going to learn how to dance :) Be patient with yourself.

DutchRN09 · May 8, 2011

When I work med/surg float here is what I do:

Get my pt assignment, on each pt SBAR I write med times, vitals, food, dx, dr, and other infor I need. Go to each pt assess, get vs, ask pt if they need anything right now, and repeat. I chart as I go as much as possible, then pass meds when due and repeat...its gets better the more you work. Really, it does.

malenursewithpride · May 8, 2011

Well I am not an RN(yet) but I manage to give meds to 40 pts daily as an lpn.7 of them g-tubes and about 9 finger sticks and a lot of BP checks.when I first started I was so overwhelmed with the amount of work and trying to manage time.the way you are feeling now is just normal.eventually you will learn how to do what you have to do and develop your way of doing it,orientation is just to see how its done but not everybody do things the same way.watch and learn and you should be ok...good luck.

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · May 8, 2011

I'd suggest getting a feel for your preceptors routine, then take a patient or two for yourself with the understanding that your preceptor will be available as your resource nurse with frequent feedback. As you become more comfortable with the routine and the quirks of the unit, take on more.

NaKcl, BSN, RN · May 8, 2011

"You made it to the prom, now you are going to learn how to dance :)"

Dear alphabetsoup, I like your analogy :)

Dear op, give yourself some time. you will develop your own routine to do things.

My advise is to focus on what you have, 7 weeks of orientation, not what you don't have...

Good luck!

tokmom, BSN, RN · May 8, 2011

practice makes perfect. It will seem overwhelming at first, but once you get the routine down and learn to prioritize, then you will be ok. One nurse I worked with saw the healthiest patients first and the sickest last in her morning assessments. Her rationale was it gave her more time for them. I on the other hand do the complete oppposite. I want to get a handle on the sickest the earliest.

You can do this. Have faith in yourself. :)

nola1202 · May 8, 2011

The first week or two of orientation was difficult for me as a new grad. What helped me the most was to just start out taking patients with my preceptor to back me up. I think I started with two and then built up from there. For me the hands on practice of organizing,charting, multitasking made it easier. Go home and analyze your day, is there a proceedure you need to review. Read up on pt diagnosis and tests, proceedures. Make sure you know what to look for if pt has complications...but don't sweat it too much. you have backup, and when it's near time for you to be out of orientation you'll be ready! One thing I've founde helpful is to carry my own puls ox (45-5- bucks at wallgreens, a cheap thermometer (with disposible plastic covers) also wallgreens. and a manual large and regular size BP cuff. Make it so much easier to grab a quick set of vitals and get on with my work. I also check my rooms before admits/transfer/surgery to see if all equipment (o2 suction,...a bed....yes we do sometimes have a missing bed! and get a scale in there if there's no bed scale. The little things will save you a lot of headaches. Don't be afraid to ask other nurses on the unit for ideas and things they do to make things. go smoothly. Welcome to nursing you are needed! Hang in there!

madwife2002, BSN, RN · May 8, 2011

Have moved your thread to new grad forum

Jewl · May 8, 2011

My dear, I don't know anyone who would give 16 weeks of orientation. That's 4 months! I think what you will find is that your confidence will improve as you become acclimated to your new job. IF and notice that's a big IF, you are having difficulty near the end of your orientation, then it may be possible to have a bit more time. But that will be at the discretion of your new boss. Also remember that your preceptor is also likely giving periodic feedback to the boss.
Everyone has a routine that works for them. Bear in mind that what works for your preceptor might not work as well for you. You just need a bit of confidence in yourself. You made it to the prom, now you are going to learn how to dance :) Be patient with yourself.

Thank you for replying:-)