NYNursingStudent

I have been an RN on a med/surg floor for just over 1 year. I feel comfortable, still not 100% confident, but I am BORED. I feel like I'm not being challenged. I've had 3 of my own patient codes and have participated in 1 other, and I love the rush that comes along with them. I spend my nights wiping butts, passing meds, and babysitting geriatric patients. I KNOW I'm better than this. So although the thought of moving on petrifies me, I think I'm ready. ICU? ER? I guess what I'm asking, is are there specific goals or guidelines I should meet before I take that next step? I want to be a competent, efficient nurse before I take the next step. I appreciate the replies!

I began a new job as a brand spanking new registered nurse in a LTC facility (subacute rehab). I was promised 3-4 weeks of training. I had hesitations going in, but was hoping it was just new grad jitters. I was not impressed from day 1 with their practices. I will not go into deep detail, but red flags were raised left and right. After my 4th night of training, I was told that I'd be on my own cart on the 5th night. I expressed concern but was told that with the LPN's help on the other side (who has her own med cart and patient load) we could get through it. That my first time on my own would be hard no matter what, and to just take it 1 patient at a time. UGH. I was hoping with enough determination, I could be the person to begin to to change attitudes and procedures in this facility. Well, I did pretty well the first night on my own. Overwhelmed, yes, but who isn't? The second night (last night) was a disaster. I made a nursing judgement (as well as a poorly trained new nurse can make) decision and when I was discussing with the next shift supervisor, was told that I was supposed to call the MD-well, that changed everything. I can not, and will not risk my license for a facility who does not have my patients best interest in mind, or MY best interest in mind. I am NOT ready to take on 15-20 patients yet. I am not 100% sharp in assessments, time management, company policy, etc and it is UNSAFE for me to be on my own. I was going to ask for decrease in hours on the 7th, effective beginning the 24th, as I have accepted another job, but I feel it's the best decision for me if I just walk away, effective immediately. I'm losing sleep over this. I'm crying more than I'm not. I'm angry and disgusted that I could have really messed things up, that they don't seem to care, and that I'm even in this position to begin with. I really need some advice.

i was always taught to hydrate first.

I'd tweak your study habits. A&P is hard. I took it as one of those classes that I wanted to just pass. I wasn't looking for an A. Good luck. (Oh, and 79 isn't bad at all! I would have been pleased with a 79)

16 months, lol

I absolutely never do. I let them be wrong and keep the knowledge of this info in my head.

Your hands are still clean from the med cart, no rewashing is necessary. (this is how we learned)

The thing that made me :huh: was the gloves. You wash your hands before you go to med cart, so your hands are clean, and you don't need gloves?