Overwhelmed

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2017

Hugs from a fellow new nurse. 1) What you are feeling is normal. 2) The caveat of what you are going through is that a good organization will provide several weeks of orientation (6 to 8 weeks or more is common; I had 8 weeks). To expect you to care for that many patients after one week of orientation is unsafe (this is not your fault; only that in future interviews ask how long orientation is for new nurses and if you have a say for extending orientation if you need more time).

Supervisors and managers should be there to have your back. We are not allowed to rotate (aka float) to other units until we've been off orientation for at least three months. Based on what you wrote concerning one-week orientation, and put into a float position less than 1 month off your short orientation, tied to what your manager and coworkers shared... personally, I would be looking for another job fast.

In ending, your feelings are normal. You have a right to feel the way you do. Learn from what you don't want when you interview. Hugs.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 26, 2017

Hugs from a fellow new nurse. 1) What you are feeling is normal. 2) The caveat of what you are going through is that a good organization will provide several weeks of orientation (6 to 8 weeks or more is common; I had 8 weeks). To expect you to care for that many patients after one week of orientation is unsafe (this is not your fault; only that in future interviews ask how long orientation is for new nurses and if you have a say for extending orientation if you need more time).

While that may be true of inpatient hospital settings, it is very rare indeed to find a lengthy orientation in LTC. Is it right? No, but unfortunately it is unlikely to change.

Jojorn16 · Apr 27, 2017

It's okay to feel that way. My very first job in a nursing home I got 10 days orientation. Very overwhelming initially but you will find your own pace and way of getting things done. Never in a million years did I think that i would have worked in LTC for 6 years but I did as a LPN. Got my RN and started dialysis. Not sure if it's my calling I'm already frustrated but I'm making the best of it for now. Don't feel bad, one day you'll look back at this and laugh because by then you would have overcome and done more. Don't be discouraged, one day it will get better.

Newgurl17, CNA, LPN · Apr 27, 2017

We're on the same boat! I too started work at a long term care facility early March of this year and I did have doubts about my career choice. I've asked my nurse friend what her first shift was like and she said she felt the exact same way as we did and I know another girl who also felt this way. My friend told me though that it does get better and that you'll go from not having any free time after passing your meds to having too much time after passing them! I've also had that experience of just being thrown in there for a shift and it was difficult becuase the rn was sooo busy that day and my co-lpn was orientating someone else. Wound care is hard at my facility because the wound binder isnt updated all that great.

finneyd31 · May 9, 2017

Today I was told I had to work the wing with trachs and gtubes by myself. I never did these on my clinical rotation so I told the DON no that I needed some guidance and was told I was lazy and was called a liar. I quit. Hopefully off to bigger and better things

Newgurl17, CNA, LPN · May 9, 2017

Good to hear! Sounds like a HORRIBLE place to work. Truly they don't understand the meaning of safety and teamwork. Hope you'll find a place where everyone will support new nurses!