question from an extern

[iHeartNICU]

I am a new extern in a level 3 NICU....a 78 bed NICU. On the days I'm not externing I'm doing the unit clerk position. I have only done unit clerk 3 shifts now and I feel like my head is spinning. I think I need 12 hands, 3 mouths, and some more legs too. There's so much to do and to learn. I feel like I'm having a hard time keeping track of everything that needs keeping track of. So, my questions to you guys is, is this how it'll be when I'm an RN on the unit (hopefully) in December. I mean, I know there's a huge learning curves for new grads and all but after that first one to 2 years do you still feel like there's just too much and you just can't juggle it all? Is having 2 to 3 babies less chaotic than being a unit clerk & keeping track of everything that goes on in the unit? Everything takes time I know but I just feel like I'm always one (or many) steps behind. Thanks again for any encouragement or info.

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

While this job may give you a great sense of time management, you won't be responsible for the whole nursery as a nurse (unless you're charge!). You'll be able to focus your attention on 1-4 babies, and while it won't be a walk in the park, you can sit back and focus on your babies, and not anyone else's