Danycejw2006

nicuRN2007, I could not have said it better myself. Experience is NOT taught in school and was never intended to be. All of these feelings, although uncomfortable, are completely normal. 1. ASK, ASK, and ASK again. It is never stupid to ask. As a matter of fact, how stupid would it be to put a pt's life at risk because one did not ask. 2. Doctor's were nasty 50 years ago, they are nasty now, and will be 50 years from now. You will come across the excellent ones and the not so excellent one's. You just make sure you do your job. All nurses' have thick skin. If you don't now.....you will. Our job is to please the pt....not the Doc. 3. You have a license. Nurse License= Power to Treat and heal. That's out JOB!!

I wouldn't give up so quickly. I was in your shoes not too long ago. I also did my orientation in a post-surgical unit. I felt overwhelmed, stressed, I couln't sleep at night, and even had dreams of being brought into the SBON on trial. lol. I only laugh because I know how you are feeling and compared to how I feel know, it is laughable matter. I am currently 9months in. I love the unit now. Everything is so familar. I have learned to know my co-workers, the Docs, the unit, and my patients. I now look forward to going to work. I don't know if the post-surg floor is for you....but I would at least give it a chance. Being out of orientation can seem scary but it's a big relief. You will soon be independent and at your own schedule. Don't second guess yourself. You know your stuff!!! You were awarded a license for a reason. Keep that in-mind.

I agree with MeghanRN. When I started my first week, I had 2pt's. I was able to pull orders and become very familar with the running of the unit and completed all my assigned tasks. I had 2 pt's for the first week and then I moved to 3 the second and third week. By week 5 I had 4pt's and things went smoothly. I am now 9 months in and I take up to 10pt's (with in the day, never at one time) and up to 6 at a given time, assume the charge nurse role, and sometimes both at a time. The organization and managing will come. Take the time you think you need to prepare and give safe effective care. Each person is different.

That is a heavy load. I have heard of 7:1 on med-surg nights but I don't know about trauma units. Normally the highest is 6:1. So 7 is still pretty heavy.

L 007. At pt.-nurse ratio of 8:1 on a PCU unit is not only insane but it is also unsafe. I would not be surprised if it was even against your facility's policy. You need to go to your unit manager. If he/she can not help you, then go to administration.....if still no results.....get the heck out of there. Im sure the VA State Board of Nursing would not support that ratio....and it's your license!

I agree with the others. You can use the SBAR sheet as well. Name age sex dx surgery allergies important past medical hx Code status activity IV and IVF I &O current meds pain/reassess

WOW. Cat. You absolutely did the RIGHT THING! The pt. could have sued you and the doc. for giving that ativan. It's your license. WHENEVER you do not feel comfortable administering an order....you ALWAYS have the right to say no. It's better safe than sorry. Trust me, the doc knew you were right. He/She is trying to save his/her own butt by placing all the blame on you. Way to go. It's nurses like you that make healthcare safe and effective!! GOLD STAR!!

you all sound very stressed over this....and trust me, i don't blame you. i have been a nurse for about 9 mons. now. i felt the very same way you all did after being on my own the next day, 6weeks, or even 4months after. i had a preceptor that pushed me and caught my every mistake and made sure i knew when i made one! i felt stupid, out of place, and extremly stressed. now, she is the best thing that ever happened to me. we get along perfectly and when i look back on things, i see how she helped me tremedously. i have to say, things will get better. i know it seems like it is impossible to be organized, administer care, or just keep up but "this too shall pass" you have to look back and remember how excited you were when you finally graduating or finally passed the nclex.....remember why you wanted and did become a nurse. nursing is not an easy, care-free, thought-free job. it is a critical thinking, caring, and fun-filled profession and you are a professional. you get a fat-juicy paycheck because you deserve it. you went through multiple tremous, stressful years or months of schooling to gain the knowledge you have. now, you have the power and ability to help so many ill people. do not loose your confidence and determination over a crumming or mean preceptor....the state board of nursing gave you a license for a reason......they trust you, your facility trusts you, your patients depend on and trust you.......it's time you trust yourself!!! you are responsible for you. you are responsible for the way you feel, the actions you make, and information you take in. (ask if you don't know something.....be proactive) no matter how crazy, bizzare, or frustrating your situation may seem....you can and will change your outcome in a postive way. if you want to be a happy, caring, exciting nurse.....then be a happy, caring, exciting nurse!!!! i am not speaking this based on hopes.....i am speaking based on direct experience. ....lastly, but definitly not least, give your worries to the lord. let the lord be your guide in everything you do. seek him first and lean not on your own understanding. the lord brings great joy. he hears you and will answer your prayers.

My nurse manager has been in her role for a little over 3yrs, has an ADN, and makes about 55,00 a year

I agree with the others. One can be an excellent nurse manager with an ADN. However, I personally believe all nurse managers should have a BSN. I believe the nuse manager position is an advanced one....therefore, requiring an advanced or higher education level.

I also went the ADN route and glad i did. Like the others have stated, it is cheaper, faster......yet you receive the same education. The nursing education is two year regardless. I graduated in may 2006 and now working in a hospital setting. My job is paying for me to get my RN-MSN in FULL and I start in this fall. So not only did I do it cheaper but i will also receive my BSN and MSN in less time than it would take the 4 year student that enter at the same time..... because i have the 1 year working experience behind me. ....but whatever decision you make, nurising is the way to go. We need more nurses and im glad you've choosen this field. God Bless.