Hi everyone!! I am a new nurse (2wks out of orientation on a Renal floor and I just want to know if what I'm experiencing is normal as a new grad nurse because @ times I just feel overwhelmed and discouraged.
I recently got out of a 6 week orientation program , 2 of which was just getting information about the hospital itself. On average I have 6 pts. I get behind on medication delivery, constantly forget things,ask bunch of questions ( which probably annoys my co- works, but they never say anything they are so nice but I know it's hard having to help me and deal with their own pts). My handoff reports suck, I often wake up( I work the night shift) and realize stuff I forgot to tell the day nurse. Today I just realize I forgot to put in a clear liquid diet in the orders... I transcribe the order during shift change, even told the day shift the nurse that the diet was changing but never put it in. My coworkers tell me I'm doing OK and just be confident and everything will fall in place; just hate feeling incompetent @ times.
I hate to even complain/ rant because I know how hard it is to find a job esp as a new nurse. Just need to vent a little frustration.
You sound exactly like me when I was a new nurse-- a whopping 1 year and 10 months ago. I thought I was losing my mind because I was exactly like you-- and as a person coming in with 2 previous careers, I had NEVER had the sorts of issues you describe-- esp memory stuff. But in nursing, there's so much information flying at you from so many different sources (MDs, patients, secretaries, care partners, other nurses, physical therapists, etc), you'd have to be a machine not to forget things. All this to say, unfortunately, what you're going thru is normal.
I totally agree with the nurse who uses different colored pens to write down important stuff; and find a mental system that works for you-- we're all different, so play around with it. I tend to give PMH 1st (if the ns doesn't already know the patient), then prns (because I'm always worried that I'll forget those), and then systems review (with any tests included, such as a CT) under the system that was scanned.
But you sound like a good, conscientious person who is concerned that you might have missed something-- that is a good thing!!! Keep at it; remember: you will make mistakes (which, as some nurses seem to forget, is part of the human condition), but you'll learn from them! And as your knowledge base increases & your time management skills improve, so will your confidence. By the way, somebody referenced the 5 year mark for competence-- it was Patricia Benner, a nurse theorist who wrote From Novice to Expert. She claims that it takes a minimum of 5 years to go from novice to expert-- and boy do I know it's true!! So, hang in there!
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
The first year out of school stinks. you are overwhelmed but it does get better. I remember the sinking feeling when patient was in trouble with chest pain and I realized that I was the nurse. I remember vividly crying in my car on the way home never thinking I'd ever "get it". Wanting to quit more times than I could count. :hug: it will get better.
You sound exactly like me! I had six weeks orientation and had hard time to join in. Now I have been here for one and half year. Sometimes I struggle, having problem with charting, and new events, but most of time I feel comfortable with environment. I don’t forget checking I&O, Vital signs, draw blood samples, urine samples.
At first time, I forgot and forgot and made too much mistakes. The problem was, I made same mistake again and again. My co-workers were almost gave me up. They encourage me to give up, I am not a nurse material, too slow, don’t understand, can’t communicate, etc. I really wanted to give up, but I have student loan to pay.
Now I am much better. I still make few mistakes, and I know there are long way to go – become a competent and trustable nurse. But I am far way better than new me. My co-workers could not trust me yet, they saw too much mistake of mine. (Now I am thinking about changing hospital, but afraid to adjust for another hospital again..but It is another story)
I have my all sympathy for your message!
You will be better. You will even feel comfortable after certain time. Give you time for adjust. You are doing well.
Welcome to nursing!! I have been a nurse since May 2011 but working since September 2011. My first job has been working in a specialty clinic. And I know clinics are more laid back then the hospital floors, but not necessarily when you work in the clinic of one of the top specialists in the Nation and see 45-50 patients a day. But it gets better with time and you get your rhythm and build your routines. Don't give up. :)
I'm a new nurse, too, and I totally feel ya! :) It is rough! I have good nights and bad ones, but I always make little mistakes and ask tons of questions. I even double-check some things because I am just afraid of doing something wrong. I realize every day how much I DON'T know, but also how much I'm learning!!
I've mislabeled blood, been an hour behind on meds (including a PRN pain med, man I'm horrible)...
Stick it out, they say it gets better. Just takes time!!
I sooooo heart this site!!!!! I can't express how thankful and grateful, I am for all the motivation, kind words, and similar stories shared!!!!
I read many of the responses before I clocked in last night and was soooo pumped for a great 12 hours. Even though it was rough I still feel like I came out on top. I even started my own IV(Yayyyyyyy!!!) My school focused more on critical thinking then actual skills, so I am definitely a work in progress in that area.
I am going to check the suggested books out!!! And the different color pen worked magic; I even got highlighters.
I only forgot one thing but by the time I called it in to the day nurse said she had already done it and not to worry about it. Blood draw ordered @ shift change during shift report:( I just got to stay even more focus and diligent the last 30 mins. as well. I now understand that I can't take everything to heart and I must realize there is a learning curve and it's definitely going to take time but I'm up for the challenge.
Thanks again EVERYONE... Often to sleep I go to prepare for another great night!
Hi all, im a new grad nurse, and recently offered a position part time no benefits at a Subacute unit. My shift will be 11p-7a every weekends. Orientation is only 1 wk and have a preceptor for only 1 wk after that. The facility is 30 min from my house. Originally i prefer fulltime job so i can learn more doin the routine more often, but job openings in North nj is pretty rough...so im kinda thinking if im gonna take the chance or find other rehab facility near my place....any advice please?
In my opinion, if you are having a hard time finding work you prefer, or even work at all, I would definately take the offer while you continue to look for something closer to your preferences. Some work is better then none in my book. And even though this is part-time, being a new graduate, you are bound to learn things no matter what. Or at least sharpen some of the things you already knew. From what I have found, it is harder to find work when you are NOT working. Once you are working, it seems like the offers roll in more readily.
I am new nurse I’m 2 days post my 6days of training. I am working night shift and I am so anxious and nervous. I feel overwhelmed and I am embarrassed because I don’t feel competent. I am trying my very best but it’s stressful. Yea after only two days ?
Just takes time!!
sillygal
2 Posts
You sound exactly like me when I was a new nurse-- a whopping 1 year and 10 months ago. I thought I was losing my mind because I was exactly like you-- and as a person coming in with 2 previous careers, I had NEVER had the sorts of issues you describe-- esp memory stuff. But in nursing, there's so much information flying at you from so many different sources (MDs, patients, secretaries, care partners, other nurses, physical therapists, etc), you'd have to be a machine not to forget things. All this to say, unfortunately, what you're going thru is normal.
I totally agree with the nurse who uses different colored pens to write down important stuff; and find a mental system that works for you-- we're all different, so play around with it. I tend to give PMH 1st (if the ns doesn't already know the patient), then prns (because I'm always worried that I'll forget those), and then systems review (with any tests included, such as a CT) under the system that was scanned.
But you sound like a good, conscientious person who is concerned that you might have missed something-- that is a good thing!!! Keep at it; remember: you will make mistakes (which, as some nurses seem to forget, is part of the human condition), but you'll learn from them! And as your knowledge base increases & your time management skills improve, so will your confidence. By the way, somebody referenced the 5 year mark for competence-- it was Patricia Benner, a nurse theorist who wrote From Novice to Expert. She claims that it takes a minimum of 5 years to go from novice to expert-- and boy do I know it's true!! So, hang in there!