New Nurse Anxiety

[newbieRN79]

Hello everyone,

I have only been an RN since July. I had eight weeks of orientation two of which I was not on the floor. I get very overwhelmed and discouraged that I am not able to focus on my time management when caring for my patients. I also have anxiety and an irrational fear I am going to give the wrong medication the wrong route. Any words of advice or wisdom? I have spoken to my nurse manager and a few close co-workers in regards and suggestion on increasing my time management and also decreasing my fears.

[Wise Woman RN]

Hello everyone,

I have only been an RN since July. I had eight weeks of orientation two of which I was not on the floor. I get very overwhelmed and discouraged that I am not able to focus on my time management when caring for my patients. I also have anxiety and an irrational fear I am going to give the wrong medication the wrong route. Any words of advice or wisdom? I have spoken to my nurse manager and a few close co-workers in regards and suggestion on increasing my time management and also decreasing my fears.

You are a new nurse. It takes time to develop confidence in your skills. It also takes time to learn time management. As far as med errors, always do your checks, and don't rush with med administration. I learned in preceptor class that a new nurse remains a "rookie" for at least two years. Concentrate on safety first, last, and always. Esme has wonderful cheat sheets that are really helpful, you can check on her posts. Find a mentor that will support you through this difficult time. The emotions you are experiencing are normal. Just do your best, the time management will improve as you hone your skills. And when you leave work at the end of the day, when you go out the door, turn around and watch the door close, and leave your work at work.

I wish you the very best.

Wise

[jagged777]

You are a new nurse. It takes time to develop confidence in your skills. It also takes time to learn time management. As far as med errors, always do your checks, and don't rush with med administration. I learned in preceptor class that a new nurse remains a "rookie" for at least two years. Concentrate on safety first, last, and always. Esme has wonderful cheat sheets that are really helpful, you can check on her posts. Find a mentor that will support you through this difficult time. The emotions you are experiencing are normal. Just do your best, the time management will improve as you hone your skills. And when you leave work at the end of the day, when you go out the door, turn around and watch the door close, and leave your work at work.

I wish you the very best.

Wise

Thanks on the advice. Do you have the line to the thread for the cheat sheet, because i did a search on esme and nothing came up.

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

it is normal to feel this way...you are on your own and your every decision is taking someone's well being into your hand. Make sure that you have an away from work way to destress and find the joy in life again-always easier to go back to work then. On lunch breaks try to take a few minutes to walk out side, do a little meditation, some doodle drawings or zentangles. something to decompress...

very good luck to you! It will get better with time

[JessiekRN]

Just a word to the wise- be cautious how much, and to whom, you disclose your personal concerns. Anxiety is normal, especially being a new grad. But if you get too "comfortable" so to speak, telling co-workers and your nurse manager, all of whom you've known only a short time, well things can backfire quickly. Just my opinion.

[%63theend]

Agreed. This happened to me.