walterh

You and many of us have enrolled in " The National Nursing School of Common Sense. "

You've hung all new IVs (or tube feeding) for the next shift and then it gets DC'd. IV pumps run fine while you're in the room but start to alarm as soon as you sit to write your notes. Your pt denies discomfort all night then C/O chest pain to the Doc on AM rounds.​

OP, I'm an older RN and have precepted a lot of new nurses. On my unit we try to dispel the idea that "Nurses eat their young." Even so, I routinely tell new nurses that they can expect to be on our unit for at least a year before they feel comfortable. That's normal. Your unit sounds like a pressure cooker. That said, you are learning a lot! My unit is supposed to be cardiac centered but pts have many comorbidities and we must learn to deal with all the different physiological systems. Give yourself some time and try to relax.​

First, let me say I didn't read all 206 replys so this opinion may have been covered. Second, aren't we all here to help the patient no matter how it gets done? Third, I guess I'm lucky to work where I do. If I'm really busy I can ask the ED nurse if I can call back in 5 or 10 minutes and it is usually OK. I know most of them and they know me. They know that I'm not stalling. I am aware of pt. flow and our ED has a time limit on how long they can hold a pt. but they are flexible. I do have time (usually) to review the chart prior to getting report. I usually know everything I need to know before I pick up the phone. Labs, chief complaint, and P+H are all available to me. However it's great to get a brief head to toe assessment from the ED. I guess I'm just a lucky guy.

Go for it! I'm 62 and have been a RN for over 30 years. I bet your practical knowledge easily outstrips any new grad and you are, and will be an asset anywhere you work. Here in New England, most LPNs I know do essentially the same work as RNs but don't get paid for it. The two years of school will pass by quickly and may be tough (I personally don't do well with formal education.) but those 2 years will pass no matter what you do. Good luck, Walter Hobbs RN, BSN