crush_RN

@mermer_rn I saw your post before my shift last week, and it made me feel so much better going into work! I'm relieved to know that what I'm experiencing is common. I'll have to look into the stages of nursing. Is that from the concept of Novice to Expert? Thank you so much for your response. I took your advice and applied it to my last few shifts, and it has been very helpful! ?

I'll start writing down bits of info to have ready. I realized I need to start doing that after my last shift. During shift change, the day nurse asked for the pt's UOP and the dose for the lasix gtt. I had the rate but not the dose written down. Thank you for the words of encouragement. I really appreciate it.

Feeling overwhelmed is definitely a factor in regards to my performance and mental state. I do agree that things have already started to become second nature and will only continue from there. I feel better knowing someone recovered from the new grad short term memory loss ? I hope that within the next year are so I will be able to remember so much more. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for your response! It's a relief to know that others are riding the same struggle bus LOL. I have non-medical friends that would ask me how work is, and they just... don't get it. It drives me a little crazy that we need time and experience to feel comfortable in our jobs, but that's the reality of it. I guess it's hard for me because I enjoy consistency and a predictable day.... LOL which definitely isn't med-surg. Thank you for sharing!

*takes a deep breath* I agree I am putting too much pressure on myself. I'm very hard on myself which is a blessing and a curse! However, my coworkers are awesome with asking me if I need any assistance and help me walk through things I'm unfamiliar with. Thanks @nznurse93 ?

Thanks for the replies! I will keep being kind to myself and that it is OK to not know everything and being able to piece information together to see the big picture will come with experience. @TrishaJ yep, I made my own brain sheet and carry it around with me. It has their hx, admission info, assessment, access, fluids, labs, etc. I'm proud of it, haha. My problem is recalling information if someone were to ask me on the spot. I tend to get flustered and my mind blanks.

I don’t think I’m forgetting things because I’m on night. I still had trouble remembering even on orientation during day shift. Thank you, I am counting the days until I reach my 6 month mark.

Hey everyone! I would like to vent and seek some advice. Input and words of encouragement to any of the questions is appreciated. I'm been on my own for a little over a month now on a med surg floor on night shift. My anxiety has gotten slightly better. I get anxious about the feeling of being stressed/overwhelmed/the feeling of the unknown of how my shift will go. Sometimes I would cry before going into work, but I've been praying and trying my best to be kind to myself since I am still new. I will be going to therapy soon and am considering medication. I understand I won't feel comfortable until I'm about 6 months - 1 year in, and my coworkers and management have been supportive. I just hope I'm able to stay in bedside for 3-4 years so I can get into nursing informatics. Another issue I find myself struggling with is remembering information about my patients. The ratio is 1:5. I have a report sheet for my patients, but for the life of me I can't remember important details like hx or their admission info. For example, I've had pts deteriorate and couldn't answer some questions, and I felt so stupid and disappointed in myself. Another thing I would like to work on is critically thinking and putting small details together to think of the big picture. Connecting my assessment with labs to their diagnosis and thinking of interventions. Besides studying my floor's common diagnoses, is there anything else I can do? Lastly, I do go into work about 40 mins early to review my pts chart. This was recently addressed in another topic in this forum, but I go in early because it relieves some of my anxiety when I'm organized and know what to expect. I also have more time to look through the orders throughly. I've already missed one order before and don't want to make the mistake again. Since I'm working on my time management, having looked through their charts also gives me a head start on my assessments. Management hasn't said anything about me coming in early. Overall, even though I give myself as much time as I can to get ready for the night, I still feel unprepared which makes me anxious. Thank you for reading.

Good luck to everyone who has interviews coming up! Does anyone know how long UTSW typically takes before they send out offers?

I believe it went well! They were very nice and made me feel relaxed. This is coming from someone that gets pretty nervous in interviews too. ?

I had my interview for NICU today. I'm not sure how many they're hiring for NICU, but they did say how they're hiring 14 nurses at McLane's.

Thank you so much! I’m a little nervous , but it helps to know what to expect.

I’ll be attending the expo in Temple, TX this Saturday. For those that went to the GN Expo, should I go ahead and bring copies of my resumes and cover letters? I’ve never been to one before!

Thanks so much! You're the best and wishing you the best of luck.

I just scheduled a phone interview. I was wondering if anyone could give me insight on what questions were asked? I’ll be attending the expo in Temple, TX this Saturday the 28th!