Overwhelmed

[Desizzle]

I'm a new RN grad I recently got a job at a nursing home for experience since it seemed all the hospitals here want nurses with experience. I've been working at the nursing home for almost a 2 weeks now and am still completely overwhelmed with everything. I had 3 days of orientation then was put on the floor by myself I pass meds to 30 residents each person having at least 5 meds and also doing treatments (such as dressing wounds, trach care etc) Then having to receive new orders make doctor appts chart on the residents (still not sure with all the paperwork). I feel I"m asking questions every 5 minutes and still really haven't figured out how things are suppose to run or where to find all the paperwork i need to chart on the residents. I'm just so overwhelmed and am constantly dredging to go to work everyday.

[abbyann]

Sounds like my experience. I only lasted 3 months in LTC. Got a job in a doctor's office, starting next week. Keep looking for other opportunities. If you can get through 3 or 4 months you may find another employer who will give you a chance. And try to cultivate good relationships with your fellow nurses. I had 3 strong references from my LTC job, which was the deciding factor in getting my new job.

When you're out of work, try to do things to take care of yourself. Little things that make you feel human. Go for a walk, spend time with the people you love. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone. Anything that makes you feel relaxed and refreshed.

[RNgrrl09]

I was in the same position when I graduated december, 2008. Hospitals were shutting out new grads, looking for experienced nurses and I did not get a job until june 2009 on a subacute floor at an ltc facility. It will get better. You will get to know your patients, their medications and what treatments are needed for them. Take your time, do procedures correctly, always chart, pass your medications without taking shortcuts and continue to ask questions when needed. I was hired into a MICU after 6 months at an LTC facility.

Like abbyann stated, "cultivate good relationships with your fellow nurses" and supervisor so that you can get strong references. Take one day at a time and learn as much as you can.

[dartonRN1983]

You just need to give yourself time. Trust me, the way you become a nurse is by working as a nurse. I was thrown into a hospital situation as a new RN three weeks after I passed boards as the only nurse on the whole hospital floor. I had no one to ask questions of. After I survived that 8 hour night shift I knew I could survive anything...nearly 28 years ago. My philosophy after was to prioritize what had to be done for my patients and then decide what I could and could not do on my shift and I always had to leave room for emergencies. Cover yourself by charting everything that is pertinent!