catlove

I can't say how much this site has helped me! Lol. I am a new grad and currently (on break) on my 3rd shift alone. I feel everything you're feeling. I go home after a shift and lay there thinking "****! Did I do that? Did I sign for that?" Not PBL that.... On the job I feel completely lost at times. I got the worst orientation and still have SO MUCH to learn. The worst is I feel like everyone expects me to know it all already.... Just don't feel alone and keep your head up! :)

Hey guys I'm in the exact same boat right now!! I was so overwhelmed today I actually cried while driving home. I hardly had a lunch and was constantly going all day making sure I completed VS, meds, doing drsgs, charting on time etc etc etc. As a student on the unit I did very well. As a RN, I second guess myself too. Let me know If it gets any better. I am glad to hear that other new grads are in the same boat!!

I am on a trauma unit with lots of wound care and post surg patients. I was there as a fourth year nursing student and they are only giving me 6, 12 hour shifts. Today was my first day and I was so overwhelmed!!!

6 shifts!!! And today they literally just "threw me in there" and I was so overwhelmed. I broke down when I get home. I was there as a student in my final year but still........ I'm going to message my nurse manager and educator!

Hi everyone, So I'm a new grad in a busy, high acuity unit!! I have some hospital experience from my final year placement but other then that I have been in outpatient clinics and psych rotation. My nurse manger assigned me a total of 6 shifts with a preceptor and THAT'S IT! I really don't feel like that will be enough. I'm still so new at all this..... Any help/advice/words of encouragement is appreciated!! :)

Hey, So if you have a strong stomach and love wound nursing this is the place for you. I have yet to come across a fresh, burn trauma (does not happen too often) but I have cared for inpatient burn patients ranging from 5-40% TBSA that have been there for a few days to months. Like I mentioned, lots of dressings (some take >1hr), IVs, pain management etc. We also have patients that come on our unit with amputations, flaps, and other serious wounds, which incorporates a lot of assessments. It's defiantly a busy unit but everyone helps each other out and it's a excellent working atmosphere. If you need an area to become comfortable with your skills it's a great unit. I have learned soo much in 1.5 moths it's crazy! Other general skills that come along with the unit are catheters, staple/suture removal, sterile dressings, IVs, blood transfusions, trachs, NGs, and many more specific skills! :)

Hey! So I've had 4 full days in the burn unit and I LOVE IT! You learn soooo much and the nurses are incredible (at least at my hospital). I really needed a unit where I can hone all my skills and this is the unit! If you want to know more about the unit I can explain more!! :)

Thanks!

I am actually working in the burn trauma unit for my final clinical placement. My first day is on Sunday. Yikes.... I will let you know how it goes!

Hey all, Does anyone know some good websites for practicing nursing math questions (I.e dosages, IV drip rates etc)? I need to brush up lol. Thanks so much in advance! :)

Nursing school is not easy. There is a lot of work, pressure, stress and responsibility. I am in my last year in the LPN to BScN program and boy, there were times I wanted to throw in the towel, times I cried, times I felt that I was incompetent and stupid. You need to find ways to cope and deal with stress in a positive way. Also, time management is very crucial. It is important to manage school, homework and life. I find for myself, I used to become very stressed thinking about all the things I had due and how I would manage to complete all the assignments in time. I realized over the years its important to focus on one task at a time, this helps you not to feel so overwhelmed. Speaking with classmates too always helps as they are usually going through the same emotions as you are. Overall, it's a long hard 4 years, but it goes by quick and in the end is worth it. Stick to it and best of luck!! :)

I am in the RPN (LPN/LVN) to RN program and in the final year. It is focused being and acting within the RN role rather then the RPN. Clinical has been exactly as @lvnmum has said... they treat you just like the regular RN students and do not give much exception to your skills and knowledge as an RPN. For my final year in clinical I was placed in a clinic-like setting which is quite disappointing to me because I have worked in a clinic for 1.5 years and feel as though I will not gain any new RN skills :| You'll do great regardless!

Hi again, Thank you for the quick response. It is my last and final year in school so this involves me having a preceptor and it's pediatrics. I was hoping for more skills involving trachs, IV's, feeding tubes as I need more hands-on experience with those skills rather then injections but this is where they placed me and what I recieved. I will make the best out of it! Thanks for your input!

Hi nurses! For my clinical, I have been placed in a pediatric outpatient clinic. I have never worked with peds or even in an outpatient clinic so I'm a little nervous. Can anyone fill me in on what a nurse on an pediatric outpatient clinic will encounter throughout the day? How is the workload? What types of medical issues/illnesses are common? And what type of skills can student nurses develop in this type of atmosphere? Thanks so much for your help! :)

Ah you guys give me inspiration when I graduate (going into my last year of nursing) and become an RN I will have a 'special skill' too! Right now I do not feel as though I am good at anything and just trying to make sure I do the right thing and learn as much as possible! Thanks so much and keep up the great work :)