SS12

I graduated in May, took NCLEX at the end of May and began my career in June! I was hired at a small rural hospital as a Med-surg nurse which was the only place I applied. I love the "small town hospital" feel where everyone seems to know everyone. The nurses I work with are great along with the charge nurses and my nurse manager. However, being a for profit hospital there are many days we work what I feel is short staffed. I've never worked anywhere else so I don't really have anything to compare to. In the four months I've worked there we have only had a tech two days. When census is low we don't get a tech nor a unit secretary. Even though census may be low the floor nurses still have 5-6 patients each. Some days can be very difficult depending on patient acuity. I find myself running myself crazy giving meds, baths, keeping up with new orders, etc. Somedays I do not even get a lunch or a pee break. I feel like it doesn't have much to do with being a new nurse but more with staffing ratio. Does anyone else feel like they run themselves to death on almost a daily basis? Also I feel like I have lost so many skills and nursing knowledge. I feel like I spend my whole day trying not to give meds late, getting everyone bathed, linens changed, on top of tending to everyone's needs such as making sure they get their coffee, juice, etc. I'm all about holistic patient care but I feel like I find myself tending more to their wants and needs versus checking lab values and such. Nursing is not easy and I can see how nurses can get burnt out very easily. Any comments/advice would be appreciated. :)

I took NCLEX May 31st and passed with 75 questions! I took the live Hurst Review and it helped me so much on the test! Also, it really helped to lower my anxiety and worry about NCLEX. I sat down at my computer expecting to not know hardly anything that was about to be presented to me. To my surprise I felt like I knew a lot of the information! As I was on my 75th question it seemed like it took me forever to click next! I was thinking the whole time if this thing cuts off I've passed with flying colors or failed miserably! It cut off at 75 questions and as I was leaving the testing center I actually felt good about it! When I got to my car I did the PVT and got the good pop up. Two days later I was able to pay for quick results and found out I had passed! Such great news on a Sunday morning! My advice to those putting off taking the test...just pray and breathe!! Stop freaking out! That helps absolutely nothing! If you've worked hard in nursing school and put in the effort God will see you through! My devotion that I read the morning I took NCLEX had these verses..."Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you" Job 22:21 & "Now may The Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you" 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Let go and let God. Good luck to each one of you and congrats to those who have already passed!! May God bless the journey ahead of you!! :)