ginarn5

Check allergies,especially before giving IV antibiotics[Do Not trust that Md has done this]. If you are on the evening or night shift always turn on light before giving ANY med or flush or adjusting pump. If you are working in a nursing home never give IM Haldol before speaking with supervior[even if you have to call them at home!] Remember that IV Levoquin can cause some peoples B/P to plummet, stopping the IV usually fixes this[or so I've heard] I usually run it extra slow until I see how the patient tolerates it. And, as the above writer wrote-- never IV push K+.

Those Pixis machines can be a nightmare if you goof up the narc count. It's too bad you work in such a nasty place. I always thought that there had to be a pattern of suspicious narc counts or something. I have done the same thing as you but worked with more trusting people. One thing I have made a habit of is going through my pockets before I leave the floor because I know I can't trust my memory after a long shift. If they persist in making a big deal of this tell them you are going to talk to a lawyer . If you are able to find another job you should. No one should have to work in such an atmosphere. Nursing is too stressful.

You don't say how long you have been at it but relax. It takes time and practice to get the big med passes like that done quickly. You are probably working with nurses who know the patients and all their little quirks--and believe me those little quirks can eat up all your time!! It pays to memorize those quirks and what prns they usually want. Don't compare yourself to the other nurses who are getting done so fast. Either they have been doing it for 20 yearsor they don't take time to talk to the patients and/or they are doing 5,6 and7 o'clock meds and prns all together. And, often, if a nurse knows a patient usually wants a prn they just give without the patient asking. Of course, there is the one who wants you to run back and get his Tylenol every day UNTIL the day you sign it out and bring it without asking-- then they'll look at you like you're crazy and say they don't want it!! Give yourself a break and remind yourself,and the impatient patients, that you're doing your best. Good luck!!

Know your Medication Rights and your patient and their diagnosis. Be safe and if you are not sure of something---ask! It's normal to be terrified. Good luck!

I also accepted a new assignment in California after working 10 years at a hospital in Wisconsin. I have found that alot of things they do out here are different from our "Midwest" ways. When I started I too had a preceptor type who seemed to go out of her way to try to make me feel incompetent and did nothing supportive. I finally had to go to my supervisor and tell her I was having a hard time working like that. I did not have to work with her after that so it paid off to talk to someone. Then I found out who the supportive nurses were and went to them with my questions. Later I found out that the person who was my preceptor was a bully to alot of the new hires. But it still really shook my confidence.I do know from this and past experience that learning to get things done on time takes time. It is also very hard to do when you have a preceptor because you are doing things her way. You will do just fine when you get on your own and develope a pattern but,don't be discouraged because it takes a while. I'm sure you have heard the saying that nurses "eat their young"--- that is what you are experiencing.Safety should always come before speed and as a new nurse of course you are concerned about safety. Don't let it get to you when anyone gives you a hard time about being slow. They were there too once, they just don't remember.Sometimes it helps to ask them how they learned to be so organized. When you compliment and ask for advice it usually softens people up. Good luck.