jennash

Thank you, Footballnut! Last week was way too crazy to NOT ask for help.. but I am working this weekend and plan on trying out the time management idea for my preceptor. I really appreciate your advice.

I am also a new grad in the ED. We have about 40 beds and we are in a very busy district. Everyday seems overwhelming, stressful, and busy but at the same time I do love it. I am on my 11th week out of 18. I agree that I don't think I will ever be ready! At first I found it hard to adjust to the "flow" of the ED just because it is so different. There are so many "if this, than that's" but nothing is generalized - you need experience and the ability to critically think to judge what each patient needs. I still find this very difficult. Anyway here are a few things that have helped me: 1. Stepping past your comfort zone (while you have a preceptor u can ask) 2. Looking up meds, diseases, and questions you may have had during the day when you get home. I also jot these down quickly during my day or else I would forget. 3. Pampering on days off :) Yoga has really helped me to de-stress and focus my mind. 4. Finding out how to use your resources - who is great at foley's, iv's, who will not judge you for asking a silly question, ect. I haven't exactly mastered this one but many fellow nurses have told me how important it is so I am working on it. One thing I struggle with is that currently I take 3 out of the 4 beds assigned to my preceptor and I, but because the ED is so fast paced and busy they always end up helping me with tasks during the day. I know that they mean well and that they are trying to help, but I really need to work on my time management and feel that it will never come if I have this help. After all, when my precepting time is over - I WILL have to do it all on my own. I have told them to please let me be but somehow it always happens. Any suggestions?

I think this sounds like a great idea - very useful!

Thank you everyone for your posts! NOCnewbie especially, you made me feel a LOT better!!! To Lucky0220: I relocated to California with my boyfriend who works in 3D animation. I didn't originally have a job when I moved here, so I rented without knowing the location of my hospital. Also, I live by the beach so it IS a nice place to come home to! I am very lucky to have a job, especially in a Versant program. So many new nurses are struggling in California these days. Thank you all again :)

After about 9 months of job searching and a cross-country relocation, I finally landed my first position. The hospital is rated good, however there are many changes I am about to experience with this new position and I am worried that it may be TOO much for my first job. The hospital is in an area known for gang violence and a predominantly Mexican population (Spanish speaking only). My position is in a Versant new grad program in the ER on nights. These are the massive changes I am about to experience... 1. Language barrier. I took French in high school and don't know a bit of Spanish. 2. Working nights 3. Commuting about an hour away (possibly longer or shorter depending on traffic) 4. HAVING a job, especially my first RN hospital job 5. Dealing with gang violence and culture Is this too much to handle? Finding another job seems silly in an economy such as this, but I don't want to ruin my views on nursing and my chances to succeed.

I too am still waiting! Due to the fact that some bloggers have said that new grads from the last program are being placed, I am hoping as more are placed, med/surg spots will be available for us. I agree that this wait has been very stressful! I hope there is still some luck out there for us..

Congrats hello-wannabe! Would you mind if I asked your statistics - GPA/license?? I am starting to get worried I won't get a call!! Thanks so much!