Blinc78

I'm a new nurse on a med surg unit and its the most challenging thing ive done. Been there 6 months and things are just now starting to get a little better. Im unsure if this type of nursing is for me because i always feel like I'm struggling to keep up and cant catch on to the knowledge. I want to try and hang in there for another 6 months to get the experience and then look for something in different area. There's so many options and opportunities in nursing and it takes time to build the skills and be the best. I also say a prayer everyday and I try to stay positive and think of it as the beginning of a successful rewarding journey. It will get better just keep on going, look at all the other great nurses out there they started just like us and we will make it!

Thanks! I actually did make a binder and added some info that I thought may come in handy during my shift and I love it:) I also finally made a "brain sheet" that works very well for me. I'll attach it for anyone who may be interested as soon as I figure out how to attach files on here...

You could also check with your nursing school director for any resources/connections he/she may have to the Red Cross in your area. I remember the American Red Cross coming to the nursing school I attended and gave a presentation on their services offered and types of jobs/volunteer work available for nurses. Closer to graduation time I asked my nursing school director the name of a person I could contact regarding a job with the Red Cross. When I called to discuss the possible job options I mentioned my school/director which I think helped....that person remembered my school director and explained the process of what I needed to do right over the phone. I decided to take a different job but I feel that now I have that option to check into in the future if needed. Never hurts to check because who you know can go a long way!!! Good Luck!

Thanks for the info, much appreciated!! :)

Hi everyone, just wanted to introduce myself...I'm new to participating in discussions/postings but have been registered for about 2yrs. I've found the discussions to be quite helpful in many ways and think it's great that we nurses have a way to connect and communicate 24/7! I'm an LPN grad May 09 and recently got my first hospital job on MedSurg this past December. I started out in doctors offices, first was a pediatric practice for about 9 mos then a pulmonary office for 1 year. It's a whole new world on a medsurg unit, especially with no prior hospital experience but i truly want to be where i can utilize my nursing skills and grow in my nursing career. I have to say, it's the most challenging job I've ever had but Im staying positive and hope it gets better/easier with time...It has to. My biggest obstacle at this point is finding a better way to stay organized in keeping up with the details/assessments/orders & lab results etc. of each of my patients, usually have 5-6. I'm looking for advice on a good format/outline to use as a reference where I can quickly write down/view and use this info throughout my shift. I've tried about 3-4 different ones but I still seem to end up rummaging through my papers constantly to keep it straight, they just aren't working. Anyone have any good ideas you can share that will help me with this? Any advice is appreciated!