mc5814

The hospital where I work has a union so we are pretty lucky with rations 1:5 on days, 1:6 on nights on med/surg., telemetry is 1:4 days, 1:5 eve, 1:6 nights. Seems like we are always short on nursing assistants though. Ratios are much better than what I hear about other hospitals in the area that are non-union.

Speaking from me experience 15 years ago when I was a new nurse in my first year working I went through many of the same things you all describe. Just keep at it.... it does get better. Here I am 15 years later and still enjoy the job (most days :) ) .

16 years and counting.... was a travel nurse about 9 years and last 3 happily working in a float pool. :)

Hi...and also contratualations too on finding a job, sounds like you have the right attitude to start with. I don't know where you are going to be working but all I can recommend is that you don't be afraid to ask if you are not sure or don't know something even once you are off orientation. I know sometimes on nursing units some nurses are tough and might give you an attitude when you ask but not all of us !! :) I used to be a travel nurse (for almost 9 years) and a few times I took a job on a unit that was something I was very unfamiliar with (like when I first worked a transplant unit). Now that I am older (and wiser too I hope :) I like to share my experiences with new nurses/students and offer advice when I can. The first job can be tough, learning a lot of new things and trying to get organized and figure out how to get it all done in your shift. Just stick with it and you'll get through it.... one day at a time. Good luck!