MaryTriage

I was a new grad over 18 years ago working a Med/Surg unit. We did direct admits and post-ops continuously. At the time, we averaged 18-21 patients for every RN. Each RN had a nurses' aide and would occasionally have the help of an LPN who would pass medications (but LPNs were not touching IVs back then also). The acuity was high, so it wasn't like we had more patients that were in more stable shape. Many days it was a good day if you left your shift and everyone was still breathing. Not to scare you, what you really need is encouragement and confidence right now. I pretty much had to sink or swim back then. Oh and we didn't have the help of that new thing called the internet back then. It didn't exist, nor did YouTube for the awesome nursing educational videos you can find on there now. Keep your chin up. Pat yourself on the back for the things you feel confident in doing right now. It will take some time before you really feel like you know what you're doing. If you really feel afraid to work there, go somewhere else. Although it's still best to stay on your first job for two years. I've been a nurse administrator and I can tell you if I had a resume of a nurse who only stayed on her first job less than a year, I would have concerns. Stick it out. Look for ways you can make things safer. Your leaving won't help the patients. Good luck!