New LPN with new LPN full time job ANXIOUS

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Hi everyone I'm a new grad with a new full time position 3-11 mon to fri . I've been feeling very overwhelmed and I'm on a rehab unit and my evening literally never stops I don't take a break I get home at 1230-1 am almost every night will it get easier I've been off orientation 3 weeks now and to top it off I can't sleep at night! I'm up half the night worrying about everything and over thinking things am I the only one?????????

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No your not the only one, perhaps you can work on time management ? I know, I know "You don't have time to manage time " right? Look before starting shift, make sure you get a full report on your patients, because if you don't then what ever is left is yours. I made a sheet with 7-3 , 3-11 ,11-7 ,jotting notes from the previous shift, noting which patient required the most care at that time ( can change in a moment) the sickest pt. is where you put your strongest CNA ( CNA = YOUR eyes, ears,) always encourage YOUR CNA to communicate with you either verbally or via note, just know that that CNA(your strongest (Skilled) is your BACK, make them a team leader in charge for getting Vitals, I& O and making sure that the other CNA's are following through to complete their paper work, because your "new" you can chart Soap, and because you are new you don't have a lot of experience to fall back on. so stick with soap, soapie or soapier every pt. that you talk to, give meds to, help feed, toilet, roll over ect.... (anything YOU do. is what you chart. mentally assess from head to toe and jot that information down on your "Sheet" so that between med passes you can quickly chart on YOUR Pt. also, because YOU have JOTTED important info from the previous shift nurse you can reference that information showing "continued Care" Look I'm going to try and show what the "Sheet" looks like that I personally make ------------11-7 7-3 3-11

PT name

ABT---Yes or No- name of med, time, amt , PT. Toleration

IV , includes, name,time,amt,pt. toleration Y N

I&O, includes liquid, stool, emesis , food

Pain level 1-10, what you gave for pain and Patient toleration

Patient skin color, temp. clamy, dry,whet,

Diabetes ? Blood sugar before meals and before Diabetic meds.

Wounds ? Color, Smell,Healing ? changed bandages.ect

now if you make yourself a sheet similar to this to help you follow patients

you will not have to chart much, just chart what you have marked on your 3-11 shift sheet

and you can rest assured knowing that you did your best that shift for that patient. and REMEMBER Nursing is a 24 hour Job so you don't have to feel responsible for it all.. if you chart just ONE of these IMPORTANT issues you have charted for that patient. also remember if it was not charted it was not done. NOW ------------Relax, take a deep breath and know that you have co-workers to help you along... Good-luck and GOD BLESS. if you need anything else just let me know

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Thank u so much that was very helpful !! I like your chart I usually do include all those things in way way or another in my notes most of my patients are post surgerys and on IV and just rehab right from hospital in general so this is great thank u so much

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Your welcomed :) I too did Rehab-medicare nursing for 20 yrs. so again I'm here to help you in any way I can. Remember to smile and relax

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Hey guys, I just started too! Already feeling overwhelmed with the amount of paperwork to be done. I can't complain because I'm very lucky,bless nd happy to have found a good job. Thanks fishin mama for the tips.

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I feel the same way. I am floating between two sides and am/pm shift. I am struggling with the paperwork, time management, dealing with hospice, handling the cnas, and everything else. I have been on my own for two shifts and I feel overwhelmed once I leave work. I crash every night once my head hits the pillow. Thank you for the advice. I will try and use it.

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