possibly last 2 shifts

[iluvnoodles]

i have 2 orientation shifts left and i feel like for some reason im not improving. I'm handling 4-5 patients, im task oriented, and yet I feel i'm missing a lot. And I'm seeing this all at the end! That's not suppose to happen right? typically theres suppose to be an improvement. I have an evaluation at the end of my next shift and that will determine if I will exit the program or not. I see so many defecits and it's very discouraging, especially when this could be the last shift. I've been told that it takes 1-2 years to feel comfortable. I think i'm going to take a drive to the beach and just take a walk. perhaps my mind will be clear that way I can make a goal for myself. i'm very discouraged but at the same time determined to make it happen

[franciscangypsy]

when I got off orientation in December, I felt very similarly. I was terrified of getting off on my own, but the nurses on my floor told me I'd be fine and just to ask a lot of questions. And that's what I do. Some nights are better than others, but if you as questions, it takes some of the intimidation off. Yes, the pts are still YOUR responsibility, but you need to be able to feel as confident as you are able and good charge nurses and coworkers will help you with that.

From your description, you sound to me like you're ready to be off orientation, as scary as that is. Good luck for you! Take it easy on yourself -- you will have nights/days/whatever-shifts-you-work where you feel a little overwhelmed and like there is so much you don't know. Ask questions (TONS. Can't stress that enough!) and tell yourself that you did all that you humanly could -- then go home and let it go. Easier said that done, but it's the only way I get through some shifts.

Congrats for reaching this exciting point! It really is great to have a team that is all yours! God Bless you in your new career!

[ItsTheDude]

yeah, it's gonna take some time, everybody is differ. nursing school doesn't really train you to be a good nurse out of the gate, it just allows you to sit for the exam, then if you pass the exam, you have the title of nurse.

becoming a good nurse takes time and desire/dedication beyond nursing school.

hang in there, it gets better over time.

[mrsbigwood1]

I have to agree..it does take time to feel comfortable. I graduated May 15 2008 and started work May 20 2008. When my orientation was over about the last week of August I felt relieved and terrified all at the same time. Looking back I can't tell you when I felt like I knew what I was doing...it just sorta happened. It'll come and you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. Good luck and remember....1 advocate for your patient, 2 care for your patients as you would your loved ones, 3 protect your license.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

you sound rather rational to me.....NOW if you thought you knew everything, i would be worried!

we learned way back in Jr high, that the more you know--the more you know you dont know....