New job RN. Overwhelmed

[mugs]

I got my first job as an RN and now I am all by myself.I am so overwhelmed by 30 patients I have in the LTC. I don't know how I am going to handle it. My shift was 7-3 I stayed 7-7 to get all done. I didn't even take lunch break or any breaks. I don't know how am I going to do. I need some encouragement.

[fmxkrazyone]

I know how difficult it can be to have your first job, I also started at an LTC. I quickly realized how busy the day shift was and how overwhelmed I was. I switched to nights. I dreaded having to stay up all night, but the night shift was less busy and gave me a chance to get a routine down with med pass, dressing changes, charting and other responsibilities. Once I finally felt comfortable enough, I went to day shift and was much more successful. Neither shift is easy, and they both have their own unique challenges, but I really feel that a new RN starting on nights gives you a much better chance to get the feel for it and be successful. It may not work for everyone, but it worked for me, I now work on an incredibly busy neuro floor on day shift. I don't think I could handle it if I hadn't gained the skills and time management that I did on nights.