Overwhelmed by Details/interruptions

[Testa Rosa, RN]

Am just feeling overwhelmed. 6 weeks into my first job and am overwhelmed by all the details and exact steps and boxes to check in order to properly care for my full case load on a busy oncology unit--and I'm still working with a preceptor!

Today I was so busy just dealing with once crisis after another and keeping meds on track for everyone that I completely forgot to check labs until near the end of my shift and turns out one pt had Hg/hct parameters (was working with a different preceptor than usual and only 8 hrs when my usual preceptor and I work 12 hours).

Im fast on my feet and a quick thinker but am easily sidetracked when in a new environment--am beginning to worry if I will ever get this?

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

you will get it once you calm your mind and yourself down. you have more control over interruptions and distractions then you think. for instance, no one can make you stop everything you are doing to take care of something they want you to do at that moment. just add the interruption or distracting task to the list of things to do when you get done with whatever you are doing right now. this means if you are charting, finish the sentence! if you are caring for a patient, finish the care. whatever someone is distracting you with probably should have been done ten minutes ago... what is another two? therefore, i never stop what i am doing unless someone is actually dying! i even tell docs "i'll take care of [whatever] in a second." and i do. gl!