Cattnipp

The hands-on care is what puts me so behind! while other nurses and techs are willing to ignore pleas to go to the rest room or put the tray closer, etc., I am very attentive to my patients. They ALL say I am the best nurse they ever had and are very grateful and appreciative. Several have actually cried with thanks for my care. They have no idea I must stay an extra hour or more to complete my charting! I always hear that the patient never saw their nurse except to pass meds or do an assessment. This should not be OK! I suppose as I progress in my nursing career, it may become easier for me to be detached and hardened. I never thought I'd hear myself wishing that I wasn't so compassionate and caring. Thank you ALL for your feedback.

KelRN215- As a new nurse, I feel it would be better if I stick it out for a year at my present job, if I can survive. Another local hospital only allows their new hires 5 patients each. I feel what my facility is doing is dangerous, not only for the patients but for me. I wish these "business" machines that call themselves hospitals would wise up. It costs a lot less to properly staff a facility than to pay for the mistakes of overworked nurses and CNA'S! Wish me Luck and thank you for sharing.

I was relieved to read your comment, NurseFrustrated. I am also very frustrated. On one hand I don't want to over-burden my PCA/CNA but on the other hand, I don't have enough hands or time to do their job and mine. As a new nurse, this is beyond discouraging. I am beginning to think I chose the wrong profession! I hope I can get over the hurdles in front of me but feel like the only thing that can be sacrificed is individual patient care.

I just joined ALLNurses for a similar reason! I need advice from new and seasoned nurses on their experiences and frustrations. I graduated in August, took and passed my boards in September and began employment on a very busy Med/Surg floor the first week in November. Like "threeholepunch" I am overwhelmed and frustrated. I am assigned a minimum of 5 patients, sometimes 6 and feel like it is all I can do to keep up. Most days I must stay an extra hour just to get my charting completed. I understand my job description but have a difficult time walking away from patients and/or family members when they want to vent or talk. I am in my late 50's and have much life experience but feel there are not enough hours in one shift to get everything completed. There are also skills that I know the basics for but in no way feel competent to complete without supervision. Does anyone else feel this way or am I in over my head? I appreciate the honest feedback.

I hope to get some feedback....I am in my OB rotation now. According to our instructor, the priority nursing action with Late Decelerations of FHR is increase IV fluids. We are also taking ATI exams and ATI says to turn mother to lateral side with late decelerations. Any thoughts? Thank you!