BigMama3

Hi all, I posted a bit ago but I'm going to try again. So for the past six months, I've been working at a nursing home, mainly on a dementia unit. It was crazy 23 patients, sometimes naked, other times missing, refusing meds. aggressive. The whole sha bang. So I got a job working in a pediatrics office. Sounded too good to be true, no nights, no weekends, no holidays. And there would be training, plus the salary was the same as tne nursing home. So I left my part time job, stayed per deim (Thank goodness) and went to the pedi office. I have now been there six days (two weeks cuz I only work three days a week). I have had four hours of shadowing and the basically gave me a laptop and sent me on my way. My boss is NOT a nurse but an office manager. I went to her and told her I was uncomfortable and needed more training. She heard but didn't listen to me. Last week on my 2nd day I was left alone. The only nurse. Somehow I muddled thru. I am still refusing to do immunizations on kids because no one has showed me how (and although I've watched You tube videos I don't feel this is enough training. And as a parent I wouldn't want an untrained person giving my kid a shot. But I digress. I talked to my supervisor at the nursgin home today and she told me I should come back.... Yesterday, (second week at the job) The owner yelled at me for using office stationary in lieu of scrap paper cuz "That paper costs us money." She also gave me a hand written list of cleaning duties I was to type up. The two of us were to work out a cleaning schedule-dusting and cleaning exam room cabinets, under the sinks etc. HUH? I don't want to keep jumping jobs but this place seems really bad. I've asked twice for help. Told them I was uncomfortable. Reviewed youtube videos and come in on my own time to learn stuff...but still not feeling it... Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi all, Just a bit of background first. I am in my late forties, three kids, and decided to go back to school and got an ADN-I have a BS in something else. I graduated in May, got my license in August, and my first job in a nursing home in October. I was extremely anxious 23 patients many with dementia, yikes. I was managing my patients. And getting a bit of a groove. Wednesday of this week I started an office job in Peds. I am now a basket case. I had to take a hemo from a baby, and couldn't manage it. I'm having a hard time with the equipment, et al. Coming from geriatrics this is such a huge learning curve. And we had no pedi rotation in school only maternity. I've googled and youtubed videos to help but am still really nervous about this leap. So I'm wondering if I'm alone in this anxious/gut ripping feeling as a new grad? I don't know if it's because I'm older, new, it's all foreign to me, or I am just being hard on myself. I just feel really overwhelmed. After one day I was kind of left alone to fend for myself. I really wanted a bit of hand holding and more shadowing to feel comfortable. Also, the girl training me (who is probably in her early twenties) I can tell is getting aggrivated with me because I keep coming to her for help. I am having probs with some of the eqipment and am being told basically you have to figure it out for yourself. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. And thanks for giving me a place to vent...WHEW!

LOL, thanks Brujacakes...I've been at my job four months Feb 28 and am looking for a new job...either I am gonna hit the six month mark or I'm gonna run out the door (hopefully very soon) good luck in your search! We are both gonna need it, it's TOUGH out there :)

OMG I could've written this myself. I too am a new grad but where I live the only real jobs are in Nursing homes (hard to get a floor job) or on Rehab units (where the ration has been 17 SICK patients and one nurse, ME YIKES) I've read quite a few of your responses and as a new grad and new nurse here are my thoughts. Although you have only been a nurse for 27 seconds thanks to a gut check NICU may NOT be for you and that is ok. As a nurse there are a zillion things, jobs, you CAN do. Lactation consultant maybe awesome for you...what about a maternity nurse?? Or even post maternity?? NICU is a HUGE HIGH stress, I can't imagine being a new grad in that job. Good for you that you have been there this long! If you decide to change, you are not a quitter, you tried it and it just wasn't for you...and that is ok. I will also say this, although I too have been a nurse for 27 seconds I have worked in hospitals for many years, you need thick skin, and a bathroom or car to cry in on a bad day. And you will have them. But you can do this!! There are other opportunities for you this may just not be t he one for you right now...GOOD LUCK!!!

I am a new grad working in a rehab/long term. I know the rehab floor is NOT for me, very sick patient, crazy nurse patient ratio 1 nurse 17 + patients, cna's NO WHERE to be found. I knew nursing would be stressful but just thinking about possibly working on this floor literally gives me nightmares. So I am now on the demetia unit 23 patients. Not too bad. Have an opportunity for an office job...safe, normal hours. Unfortunately not many challenges, prob not a lot to learn. Don't know what to do here and am wondering if floor nursing is for me...plus I am an "older grad" this is my second career. Any advice/ help/ would be greatly appreciated. THX!!! Should've prefaced this with worked in hospitals many, many years overnights, holidays, etc. not as a nurse tho- don't know if this matters or not...

I read posts on this website quite often to know that I too am not overwhelmed especially as a new grad...good luck!!

Hey there Ansley et al, I too am a new grad and as of tomorrow will be at my place for 4 months (and already ready to run out the door) And like you I too feel that I am not providing quality care to my patients (and isn't that what we became nurses for??) I don't know if this will help but...I have been floated from LTAC (23 patients) to Short term Acute (19 -21 patients which made me so stressed out I can't even think about it) to my current Dementia unit (19 patients). Plus a girl I graduated with is now working on a Med Surg floor and completely stressed out all the time. So, this is what I'm thinking for you. Try and work on your floor a bit longer ( don't know what the transfer policy there is) then transfer the second you can. This doesn't seem to be for you and that's ok. I truly believe that the nice part of being a new nurse is deciding (and sometimes quite quickly) that this isn't what you wanted to do. Take whatever experiences you can get from it (sounds like you are learning a TON and are becoming a GREAT organizer) and parlay that into your next position. Also, I read in a new grad book that "Start each day with a clean slate" it has beome my mantra if not you tend to focus on what you messed up UGH! Good luck and know you are not alone in our crazy, new grad, I have no idea what the heck I'm doing world!!

Thanks so much for your response. I don't think I'll make it a year in this position, originally I thought I could do it for six months but now I'm not even sure of that. I was originally on eves then they changed me to days and apparently they are going to change me again back to eves (again hired for days) I was hired for 21 hourse (I know weird amount) but work at least 30 every week (so almost consider myself full time now). I am working tomorrow and all weekend and am almost physically sick thinking about it...so although I'm trying to "suck it up" for six months if I get another offer...i'm most likely going to take it.

Just wanted to say, well said I totally agree and it's unfortunate that LTC seems to be this way everywhere

Boy you and I can hang out!! I am a new grad. My friend (also a new grad) was working in a nursing home and she was responsible for 43 patients in an eight hour shift...needless to say she quit after a few weeks. I don't know if you work 8 or 12 hour shifts. I do know that when I work (both long term and subacute units) I am usually there an extra 1.5 to 2 hours completing paperwork. I don't know if this will help but two things I have tried to do is try and put as many "treatments" in the cart or in my pockets, so when you go into a room you can do meds and foot checks or meds and vitals (esp if you have to take a bp before a med take the vitals) I also do a mini "to do list" so I can keep track. It is almost impossible to keep up with everything....I totally get it. Just take your time, talk to the CNA's about turning your peeps and try not to sign off on forms (for example a skin check) unless you've actually seen the skin!! Good luck!! HUGS!!

Hi all, so I am a new nurse grad and am working in a place with both subacute and long term patients. I received about four weeks training then was off to the trenches. On the subacute unit I have had 18 plus patients to care for and many have been unstable. To say I've been a wreck is an understatement. In addition, my floor supervisor has been unapproachable . When hired I was told I could take an IV class -which I was all over. It has yet to be offered, and when I asked my super for help with an IV,she said, "I'm only going to show you this once" and that was that. I've youtubed some videos since to help myself from sinking. The super has done a few "shady" things -when a patient cut his foot she "created" a statement basically so she didn't have to do the paperwork. She has said things to patients and families that I know were not true . Her actions make me very uncomfortable but she's friends with the big boss who gave her the job so no help there. I am really struggling here and am now looking for another job only after a few months. I just need some advice, is the job I am in considered Med/Surg experience even though I spend quite a bit of time on the long term unit (but am occasionally floated)? Also, after only a few months experience, do you think someone somewhere will hire me? I'm sure I'll get some "just suck it up" advice but honestly I feel it is unsafe Thanks for any help or advice you can give...feels good to vent if nothing else.

Hey Lucky, its funny you posted this because I feel like I'm in a similar situation currently. I am a new grad working in an understaffed LTAC which is ironic because my first job was in a SNF with 40 patients (now I ONLY have 18 LOL)..my theory is just keep putting out resumes and contacting people. Hopefully in six months something else will pan out, in the meantime bank all this as a learning experience. I know I am...wish you luck!!!

Hi all, I'd like to start out by saying I got my license in September whoooo hoooo! So here's my problem. I live in MA where there isn't a nursing shortage but you really need a BSN and I have an ADN, with no nursing experience so the job choices are limited I got a job in a nursing home (40 patients) they gave me 5 days total of training (3 were administrative NOT skills or floor work) then they put me on the floor. There was no nursing supervisor just myself and one other nurse (fresh out of school too). Needless to say I felt unsafe and that I could potentially lose my license so I quit. I got another job in another facility rehab/nursing home. I am supposed to be on orientation BUT have had 18-24 patients by myself. These patients have had IV's, on hospice, wound care, etc. They run the gamut. The problem is I don't really assess or care for them because I don't have the time. In fact, one of my patients I saw for 5 minutes total at the end of the shift and that was only to take a set of vitals and give her her BP meds. I realize I have to pay my dues but am very anxious and stressed every time I walk in the door. There is little to no support there as well. The attitude is don't worry about it...but I do. So, I really need some advice here. I know a few office jobs that are available but I don't want to lose my skills. But I also don't want to jeopardize my license. I'd also like to add that I've been working in healthcare (hospitals, rehabs) for 15 years. I knew nursing was hard work but I just don't know what to do or if this type of nursing is for me. Is this the norm? Eighteen patients (dialysis, hospice, IV, dementia,) or is it me? Thanks for any advice! Fitz

Hi all, So I got my first patient...and I get that we have to do a dx...but here's the problem. She has COPD but that's status quo. On 02 sat pretty high on RA consitering. Lungs sounded junky on left side but again (according to prof this was found last semseter) So, where do I begin? I understand the impaired gas exchange but related to ?? And is impaired gas exchange sufficient?? Example Risk for falls...okay now what? My lady was in a wheelchair with a throw rug on the groud and basically an accident/ fall wating to happen. Also, she wears glasses is legally blind and hard of hearing. So disturbed sensory perseption visual as evidenced by glasses? My questioin is how and where do I begin? I've looked up dx online and on this website. All are so very helpful but if I am finding/using another dx is that like cheating? Also can someone explain to me As evidenced by vs. Related to? I'm just really struggling with the dx part. And don't know where to begin. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thax soo much!

OMG that's baad...YIKES Personally, I liked A&P...I didnt' like Micro then but am starting to apply it now....hopefully this helps....make the right decision for you. I don't know whre you live but I live in MA and there is a waiting list to get INTO school...the thing that really stinks is many (including me) finished pre-recs then STILL had to wait a year plus to get in...ugh.. Let me know how you make out!! Dawn

Thanks!!! We too are learning the +30 for bp...but I wonder sometimes if I'm actually hearing what I think I am...UGH! Thx for the support too....I sooo needed that : )

Funny Micro Story.... Decided to take an 8 week accelerated hybrid course. Tuesdays lab, the rest was online. I had never taken a class at this particular campus before and was a bit anxious about the traffice, the location, et al. There were three kids in my house and my hubby was on the way home from work... In my haste I fell down my front stairs and SEVERLY sprained my ankle. Was screaming in my driveway (not one of the three kids heard me) dragged my big butt up the front stairs into my house and watched my ankle get bigger and bigger. Needless to say, missed the first class, was on crutches for the second and got off them the last class. Barely got a C+ in that class but I passed... I also took A&P both one and two accelerated...wish I took my time. If you can, do Micro in the summer...but A&P take ur time with if you can..taking them both can be done but it will be really, really tough. Just sayin. Good luck either way!! Dawn

We are being taught via videos on how to obtain a pulse and bp. I get the basics but re pulse...when do I start counting?? Start at zero when second hand moves or one?? Also re BP, the systolic pulse seems to be heard sooo quickly that I'm not sure I'm catching it. We can't be over or under by anymore than two or we fail. Everyone I seem to ask keeps telling me how easy this is but I keep second guessing and/or getting stuck! UGHHH! Any advice on either would be appreciated. Thanks!! Dawn

pecanpies, Years ago, I worked in an E.D. as a UC in a Catholic owned and operated hospital. A patient came in and for whatever reason, the doctor needed to give her a script for the morning after pill. The doctor's hands were almost tied because of where he worked. He did write the script but worried about what if any disciplinary actions would be taken (there weren't any). Currently I work with a Jehovah's witness who constantly has to provide blood transfusions for patients...of course he does. It is his job. He is professional and always keeps his religious beliefs seperate. There are however, those that would opt to not give say a transfusion or pill based on their personal believes...I'd like to think that those people would ask to be removed from that particual patient's in lieu of jeopartidizing the patient.

First off, congrats for heading towards the finish line! I work in an LTAC. The nurses (of which someday I hope to be one) all work twelve hours shifts. I think it's great because they see the trends in their patients, are more familiar with their patients and the problems they have and more apt to give a more accurate report to the next shift (so things get lost less). Also, the nurses seem to be a bit happier because it's one less day in work and away from home. I would give the antiabortion med to the patient, if the doctor ordered it and it was necessary.

I took pharm last semester...I have taken accelerated classes in the past. It was my first semseter of school...because if that class we went from 50+ to 28 students. It is quite a lot to learn AND so important for later on...I wouldn't recommend taking it accelerated. Good luck either way!!

I remember being put on a waiting list and told, "don't worry you'll definately get in...ppl drop out all the time." Well, no one dropped out. And I was devastated. I had to wait a whole year, class free, before I finally got my letter of acceptance. The interesting part is, I was on the fence as to whether or not I still wanted to continue school, if there was something else I wanted to do. When I finally got the letter I was so excited and realized it was what I was supposed to do. Sometimes, you have to wait a bit...to realize what you truly want. I hope you get your acceptance letter...but if not, don't give up. Good luck!!!

I went back to school originally for rad tech and along the way thanks to many personal experiences decided nursing was for me. Many of the nurses I work with now, went back later on (so many varying degrees!) to become a nurse. The nice thing about nursing is there are so many options. If you continue in this field then you can do so many other health related jobs. I would try and go back for nursing...but look at it as a career one in which you can do anything from! Good luck!

Quite a few ppl have told me to take the grade and run...lol thx!

I just finished my first semester of school and am beginning my second...At my school you need to get a 73 in order to pass. After my finals I calculated a final grade of 72.6 and realized I failed. However one of the questions was thrown out so I ended up with a 73.2. I can't help but feeling almost undeserving of moving forward and am wondering if anyone else has sqeeked by and how they felt about it. Thanks Dawn