New nurse trying to be better

Published

So I'm a work in progress. Was a CNA and PCT for almost 7 years before I became a nurse. Been working as a nurse for 8 months now. First my issue was with delegating. I wanted to help the CNAs with everything. I soon learned it's not possible. I Now help when my time allows but try to make my own work my priorities. Then I realized I was forgetting to chart little things like that I faxed labs to a doc, despite writing on the labs "faxed at 500pm" and things like that. I never forget to chart crucial things. But then it was brought to my attention that I was leaving medications in the cart that people refused. I was told that only an RN can discard them so I would leave them for the morning RN and she reported me to my supervisor. My supervisor was nice about it and told me, "yes you can discard of refused non narcotics" so now I make sure all the med carts are emptied before I leave.

i take care of 50 patients with 2 or 3 CNAs. I am the only nurse on my shift. i loooove my job but it's stressful and day shift has two nurses and two medication aides and I was told I will be getting one medication aide soon. It's hard to remember everything to follow up with so I write things down. I don't take much of a break. I just wanna be the best nurse and I don't wanna be that nurse that other people have to keep complaining about. I make sure the carts always have more cups and spoons and supplies and I clean the office and organize everything before I leave. I'm trying my best but I'm just exhausted all the time and I need tips on how to be better. Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

50 patients, did you say 50?!!??!?!?!?!? umm you bettter crack the whip on those aids and probably demand your med aide or GTFO that job ASAP. 50 patients!?!?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can't improve on perfection...which is how I would describe you from your post.

Relax.....you are doing a great job under extremely trying circumstances......as dudernguy said....50 !?!?!?!?!?! and your only "mistake" was one time not writing you faxed labs to the Doc....and not having a clear understanding about how to discard refused meds.....I'm ready to nominate you for Super Nurse!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
50 patients, did you say 50?!!??!?!?!?!? umm you bettter crack the whip on those aids and probably demand your med aide or GTFO that job ASAP. 50 patients!?!?

Yes 50 but most of them are not very complicated cases.. Not like a hospital type of patient. I work in aLtc. It's still a lot though. My day is literally consumed with medpass for 90% if the shift and although I mostly give PO meds I end up staying an hour later at least to get charting and "office" type of work done. Any time there is an emergency I am ***. Lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You can't improve on perfection...which is how I would describe you from your post.

Relax.....you are doing a great job under extremely trying circumstances......as dudernguy said....50 !?!?!?!?!?! and your only "mistake" was one time not writing you faxed labs to the Doc....and not having a clear understanding about how to discard refused meds.....I'm ready to nominate you for Super Nurse!

Thank you!! Today was so hard. I walked into the day nurse pissed as hell, had a hard day, phone ringing non stop. Foley pulled out, another pt had chest pain. I needed to read that. Thanks again

Up Vote Up Vote ×

50 patients is OUTRAGEOUS, even for a med pass in an LTC . You are still responsible for an eyeball assessment while you are administering those meds. Of course you are screwed if you find something. You now have to handle that issue, along with a RIDICULOUS med pass.

Stop with the "good nurse " mentality. That is not being a good nurse, that is being a slave for the corporate mentality. The powers that be already see you are "handling" it, that is why they are going to cut your help.

You and your patients deserve so much better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am getting hospice and palliative cert in March in hopes of finding a better job, I do good with hospice patients I think it's my niche

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion