NickiJules

We also wear locators and sign an hourly rounding log that is taped to the patients wall. RNs are to round every hour but technically we only have to chart q4h. We have been told that these locators track wherever we are and reports are pulled and reviewed, which show how many times the nurse went into each room during their shift. Typically, our pt load is 4-5.

Some great advice given by previous posters... ALWAYS take your time and double check or triple check, no matter how busy or rushed you feel. The times I have made an error (or came close), is when I felt super rushed. Remind yourself, when a thought crosses your mind questioning a med or an order or anything, stop and listen to that thought and address it. It is a terrible feeling, to say the least, when you catch an error or close error involving a medication because that error usually could have been avoided very easily. I know that feeling because I've done it several times in my short nursing career. The good thing about any mistake, you learn from it! Best of luck to you!

Thanks so much!! I don't think I've read one post on here from a PHN that stated they did not like their job. I'm excited to start but very nervous because I feel like I'm starting from scratch, in a way.

Hello all! I will soon be leaving the hospital for a public health nurse position. "Excited" is not even close to what I'm feeling about this opportunity; however, I have zero experience in this area. I was told the orientation will take some time because there is a lot to learn, being that Im inexperienced. This location focuses on family planning, HIV testing, OB/GYN, and more. Does anyone know in general what a PHN does in this capacity? Thanks for taking time to read!

So true!

I wonder, how often do you think this occurs, that a new nurse is hired instead of a nurse with many years of experience? I would imagine that most nurses with 15, 20 plus years under their belt would not even desire a job that a new nurse is also qualified for. A lot of them have put in their time and moved on, maybe to admin, outpatient, or something else. They usually have the jobs I want but can't get.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm happy to learn she has hope for recovery-unfortunately, it will be a difficult one, if she does improve. If/when she returns to our floor, I will get to see her but will not be checking her chart anymore, certainly! Regarding HIPAA, I don't see the harm in checking the chart (for purposes of learning or just simply out of concern) but if it's a violation, I'm sure it is for a good reason. Anyway, thanks again everyone for your input.

I still feel that way at times, and I've been doing the same thing for well over a year! It's so easy to forget what you've learned, especially in a 5 month time period while working a totally different job. But it will all come back very quickly. I agree you should give yourself time. If people have told you in the past that you were doing well, you're a great nurse, etc, you were doing something right! If you survived neuro ICU for 8 months, I'd say you will be just fine.

Didn't think of that as HIPAA violation but that's true.

She had been extubated and reintubated several times. Her ABGs were off but i dont believe they were horrible. She was awake and responding. Her CXR showed worsening opacities. Last I checked, the nurses were trying to wean her off the vent. I've never worked with vents so what I read in the doctors notes regarding settings and things was foreign to me. Thank you very much for the responses!

Can't stop thinking about my pre-op CABG... Any input would be greatly appreciated! My patient was admitted for recurrent CHF exacerbation, mostly having SOB that would come and go. So she was admitted, had positive cardiac cath, and scheduled for open heart the next a.m. Last I knew, she was still intubated, over 2 weeks post op. Her Hx included lung ca and R lower lobectomy. Im the one who completed her pre op orders. CXR showed possible small pleural effusion. For some reason, it did not occur to me until later that day that PFTs were not ordered for her. I don't know if they routinely check PFTs pre op at this facility but does anyone know if this could have made a difference in decision to operate? I cant remember the extent of occlusion per her cath. Also, what are the chances of recovery for someone intubated this long? Thanks!

I totally understand your situation! I was starting my last semester of nursing school when we planned our first baby. I was about 18 weeks along by graduation. It worked out great because I was blessed to have no sickness or anything to affect my schooling. I got my first interview for one position when I was about 8 mos pregnant (shortly after i passed NCLEX) and was actually told that was why I wasn't offered the job...which is discrimination, and not legal. It was hard getting an interview to begin with, being a new RN. Regardless, my advice is to start trying if its what you both really want, but as you mentioned in your post, keep in mind, all pregnancies are different. There's always a chance your last several months of school could be extra grueling if you're sick. And even though its not right, my opinion is that being pregnant could affect your chances of hire. I ended up getting a job eventually anyway. It's good to weigh out your desires and priorities at this point. Having a little sibling for your little one would just possibly delay starting your nursing career... Or not! Maybe just think if that is a risk you are willing to take. I know that I had absolutely no regrets about the timing of my pregnancy whatsoever! Good luck to you!!!

Hi, OP! Sometimes I think if every new nurse felt the same way as me, there would be no nurses, period. It's been that bad. The anxiety, stress, no breaks, staying late every day, forgetting or missing things, feeling like I've left a mess for the following shift, task after task after task (not feeling like a NURSE to my patients)... and sometimes a short bout of depression before my shift begins. Whew! However, as everyone is saying, it actually DOES get better (maybe not good or great, but better)! My advice... - Put it in your mind that you can stick it out another 8 months. One year of med/surg is a good foundation and will help you move to other areas of nursing. The beauty of nursing is you can move around and do almost anything, once you have some experience under your belt. - If 8 months seems unbearable, keep applying to other jobs anyway in the meantime, and talk to admin or the hospital mentor about how you're feeling. They can help you move within the hospital. - If it's an option, try a shift change. I switched to nights a few months ago, and it's been better. - Most importantly, be patient with yourself! Get your experience and then move on to something better. Nursing on one floor is always going to different in some way than another floor. You will find the right place for you. You are not limited to the hospital either. If you don't like medical, try behavioral health or even community nursing. They are much more open to hiring new nurses and the job is usually less stressful. I did psych for a year and left only to gain med/surg exp. I'm considering going back! Good luck! And remember, you are not the only nurse who feels this way.

Agree! I get frustrated because i've noticed I tend to be more task oriented, at this point, getting caught up in what needs to be done (meds, charting, completing orders, physical assesments, checking VS, etc). I get impatient with myself, but I am sure in time this will change and critical thinking skills will improve.

Thanks to ALL for the amazing tips and encouragement! Greatly needed and appreciated! I am going to sit down, and using different pieces of advice given, think out a new plan for my work day. By trial and error, I hope in time To create a system that works best for me. And I know it will be quite a while until I feel somewhat comfortable in my job. In the meantime, it's just going to suck. I like the idea of patient rounds/quick assessments at start of shift. Also, will make a point to step away from the floor and breathe, take breaks. It is so important for me and my patients! I will start q2h chart checks so no orders get missed. One thing I need to work on is delegating, as well. Also considering switching to night shift, as someone mentioned may be ideal for a newer nurse. Thank you, vashtee, for the planning grid. I love the times columns! I will try this and see if it works for me. I really think it will help me set time limits for myself, and keep track of all that needs to be done, so nothing gets missed or forgotten. Very cool! I am new to this site and am now so happy I found it! Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply! Feel free to keep sharing, please!