Not sure what I've gotten myself into!!

[lilred2007]

Hi all! Long time lurker, first time poster here. :)

I recently got hired on as a PCT at a fairly big med center near my home. My floor is half intermediate care, and half telemetry. I heard during my orientation that the turnover rate on the floor I hired onto was pretty high and I think I understand why now. I have only been on the floor on my own for a week, and have been the only tech for the whole floor. (I'm only supposed to have a max load of 10 patients and then the RN'S go to primary care). My average load has been 11 patients and they are generally pretty high acuity. I also have nurses who are supposed to be primary care providers asking for help for things, and of course I feel obligated to help them. And in addition to trying to help the patients I do have and the nurses asking for help, I'm also running around trying to get call lights. I have worked in hospitals before, but my previoius experience was not this crazy! I just feel very overwhelmed and unsatisfied with the care I'm providing people because I's so busy (and I feel terrible that I can't provide things like baths and linen changes when we're this short staffed). There is supposed to be another tech starting on days soon, so I hope I can hold on, but I just am not sure if things will get better. Anyways, thanks for letting me vent and any thoughts/comments on my situation would be appreciated. Thanks!

[jb2u, ASN, RN]

Welcome to allnurses. I am sorry to hear about your current work situation. I hope that it gets better for you. Keep on posting.

Sincerely,

Jay

[DreamyEyes]

Sorry to hear about your job situation.

Do you know how soon the other tech is going to start working at your hospital? I would try to hang on for a little bit longer, but I would also start to apply to other jobs, just in case. Good luck & I hope it gets better for you. :icon_hug:

[aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I work intermediate care as well and our normal patient load is 11. When there is only one tech, that one tech will have 22 patients to take care of. In a way I can feel your pain. With 11 patients though, it is still doable to get all the baths done and all that stuff. I know with 22 it's impossible and you just have to manage your time well and focus on your total cares.

That's my one gripe about this job is the load that the techs are expected to take on. Every time I see my manager I ask her why we can't have three techs all the time instead of just two.