beabeabea

I've just started out as a GI nurse. 2 months now and feel as though I hate it. I'm constantly looking for a new job on the area of my interest. Only 10 more months to go! Honestly, as the shifts go down the big light comes closer! I know what you mean about not spending enough time with the patients. On a good day I have 8 patients to look after. On a bad day (which is normal as all the staff are leaving the ward) I have to look after 14. Too much stress but I guess it makes me stronger at the end of the day. For example I'm still not sleeping well... it's bad but I think are my patients going to be alright during the night etc? :/ Hope your problem resolves :) x

I agree with lilsn, it's tough!. I'm sort of in the same position p no idea whats happening with what etc. I'm really tempted to move to another unit just because they have more staff to patient ratio so they will have slightly more time to talk things through!. I think the feeling of neglecting patients comes with the amount of paperwork that nurses have to fill in nowadays. You'll sort your routine out eventually. It'll take time! Hope it gets better and you decide what you want to do! :)

I wish I could have a preceptor. My probation period was 2 weeks. My preceptor was on 2 shifts with me which were hectic. We're only supposed to manage 8 patients at a time but on my 2nd shift I was told to manage 14. . I hope it gets better for you! I'd put a complaint in and find out why you were discharged. If your first preceptor was friendly can you not find out why you were given others?

So, I have finished studying Nursing this year. Which was such an accomplishment! (Well done guys!) and have been working in my now role as a GI nurse for 2 months. I have a preceptor but haven't been working with her much/hardly at all. She's lovely but doesn't really have the time to talk. I've 'missed' the preceptorship course (student nurse to staff nurse transition courses) which I will be starting in April. So basically i'm a staff nurse now but will be a junior staff nurse in April (if that makes sense). So that's what my line manager has told me and basically feel like I've been thrown off a boat into the middle of nowhere and feel like I have to get on with it. I'm not afraid to ask questions or say I need help but there's one issue.. I cannot shut off at night after my shift has finished. Is this normal? I can't help but think oh my gosh. Have I done that? Have I done this? Is that patient alright? Especially if my patient was septic (I hope there are alright.. etc..) I've spoken to fellow newly qualified's and they said they all feel the same but they can sleep at night. I struggle and manage on 2/3 hours each night. I've been told that it's normal but for 2 months? Is this? I've moved from my study area into a totally different hospital trust where I'm unfamiliar with the paperwork. All the nurses who see it say it's fine but I still get the feeling that there's something missing. Is it just me? Opinions please! Bea