Bluestem

Worked nights for years, I've switched to days now... but I am STILL amazed that when I leave work it is STILL the same day as when I went in to work.

Lots of great ideas, thanks! I took some aspirin & ibuprofren, soaked in a hot bath, and still am sore... I've been drinking lots of soy milk, oj today & I take flinstone vitamins everyday :) I work 12 hr shifts (at least) and don't really eat or drink nearly enough.. I'm trying to work on that, I'm still in my first year and working on becoming more efficient. Think I'll schedule my next physical the day after i've been working.. I'm curious to see my 'lyte levels. One night off this week Back tomorrow night, wish me luck! Thanks everyone!!!!

Hoping I can get some advice here... Every once in a while after I've been working, I go to sleep, and wake up middle of the night with a severe cramp in my calf, it takes about a minute of me laying there yelling, and trying not to move before it resolves. Has happened maybe 5 times in the last year? Happened last night, and as I'm getting ready to go to sleep now, I can just feel it coming on, I'm sure it will happen again today. At work, I wear the cheap ted's (they're thin like panty hose). Do the expensive ones make a huge difference? Any brands you recommend? Any other ideas?

Thanks for all your relplies!!! I talked to my boss about how i'm feeling, and I can't switch floors yet, I have to give it at least a few weeks. It makes sense. I was assured that I have through January with a preceptor, and a class at the end that should help. The beginning of the week was intimidating but it did get better. My major frustration in school seemed to be due to switching hospitals every 8 weeks or so. Not enough time to feel comfortable! In school I only had 2 days with a preceptor, I will stick with it, and try not to expect to be an expert right away. Yes, I do have anxiety and history of occasional panic attacks. My Primary doc threw a temp prescription at me and that was it. I'm setting an appointment today! I knew I needed to take care of this, but I just moved and am between insurances right now. Thanks for the encouragement!!! It seriously helps

I'm a new grad RN, and am 2 weeks into orientation to my unit, a step-down ICU. Will have 4 pts. No CNA's, pass all meals, beds, baths, etc. Great preceptors, but I feel so incompetent! I have forgotten nearly everything i learned in school and am constantly worried that something will happen to one of my patients, an I won't know what to do or have seen it coming. I am struggling with everything, meds, machines, assessments. I feel like I just can't handle the stress, and fear I can't catch up in time! And I want to talk to my boss about it, but am unsure if I should. I do have anxiety that leaves me unable to focus. Over the weekend (not working) my bp shot up to 147/94... my day off when I was trying to relax! I usually run absolutely normal if not lower. All day I could feel pulsations in my head like a vessel is about to blow. I think my body is telling me to quit... And we tell our patients to avoid stress :) I think I need to change careers, but I dont know where to start. Right now, I don't look forward to going to work AT ALL! I hated nursing school, thought it would "Get better" in the real world. I feel like I've aged 10 years in the past 2. Is there anything else that I can switch over to as an unexperienced nurse that is less stressful? Thanks, and sorry for whining!!