carealot314

You are definitely not alone! I graduated from nursing school in May 2005 and got my license July 2005. I work on a pediatric & adult med/surg unit. I was definitely overwhelmed for the first several months I worked. My biggest piece of advice is to ask LOTS of questions - everyone expects you to. Don't be embarrassed because you feel like you "should" know something...ask anyway. I've been very blessed that I have wonderful coworkers who have no problems with my asking a million questions every shift. One thing that helped for me, which you might consider, is that I work night shift. When I worked days (on orientation), I was so overwhelmed. I picked up an extra shift on PMs, and again was overwhelmed (to the point of tears). Nights is a little nicer (usually) - there are less meds to give, less busy-ness on the unit (less doctors, less tests/procedures, less phone calls etc). I'm still learning a ton and actually have time to look things up. Granted, you don't have as many opportunities to do certain skills - dressing changes etc. But you could always consider working 12-hr nights (7p-7a) - that way, you have 4 hours on the PM shift where you will have more opportunity to do different skills, but you have 8 hours on night to catch up. Don't be intimidated by the night shift - I'm definitely not a night person and thought I'd hate nights - but I found that I actually love the shift. Hang in there! It'll get better! :)