45residents to 1 RN, should i say more?

[missnoc360]

Im an agency RN, been in "probation for 1.5/3months" now. The facility offered as a good pay and a nice work envt. Even though it takes me 2hours to get there I still commit to it for the first month (I work FT, everyweekends btw).

Now, its been 1.5 months and Im completely burnt out. I've been calling out sick/abdent for about 5-6shifts now. I dont even care if Im being written up or whatever. U cant even figure out who to address issues with because they keep changing staff all the time and nurses float everywhere. No stock /supplies.

What an experience! This is my first job, and after this week. Im quitting. I wonder if u guys have any experience just like this?..

[missnoc360]

I just came from a nursing home. I was on a unit that had max 36 patients and I was the only nurse on the floor. There would always be call outs so I would end up having to do alot of CNA work along with my heavy med pass. This was my first nursing job as well and it stressed me out alot, especially since on the weekends there would be one LPN downstairs and a supervisor (if they showed up!). I was basically left on my own. This helped me prioritize but I decided I needed another job, I couldnt take the stress and didnt like the overall attitude of the majority of the staff. I also feel you on the long commute, mine was an hour. I think it is a good idea to leave, you dont want to stress yourself out and your not happy there.[/quote']

I agree with u, Im still lookin for a job but now Im stuck there. Everyday Im just praying I'll survive the day.. I have bills to pay so I need to be patient I guess.

[glucas985]

Almost all nurses find themselves stressed by their workloads. What I've done to keep my sanity is work part time. This way I don't feel burned out and my residents are always getting the best care possible . When I feel up to it I pick up extra shifts caused by people calling in sick, or just offering to work for friends if they're feeling like they could use a day off. I do find that I usually end up working nearly full time hours anyway, but just knowing I'm not being forced into it is helpful.This may not work for u if u need full time for insurance or to make a hefty car payment, but it'd make more sense than getting fired for not showing up.

[MomaNurse]

Until you find another job, you will have to do some tightening up. Get more time off. Don't fall into working 12 or 16 hours just to get more days off during the week. When you go to work, arrive a little early. Go through the med cart, treatment cart, supply room, kitchen. Quickly scan for lack of supplies. Call the kitchen for snacks and drinks before they get busy or go home. Take the time to stock up before you start so you don't have to leave your cart mid-pass. Check insulins, syringes, test strips, any Meds and creams you will need. Call supervisor right away or tell the floor manager about the needs for your current shift. You might have to call the pharmacy or supply clerk yourself if you work off shift then report to the manager in the morning. Assume the shift nurses you follow are straight out, not just lazy. If you begin to get refills of needed supplies, they will likely follow suit. Lastly, don't get caught up in what others do or used to do. I used to work 48 to 56 hours a week, too. Didn't take better care of the patients than I do now. And I can tell you it doesn't feel good to see all that sick time cap off when I knew I was really just feeding my ego with all the comments about my being there ALL THE TIME. If you're calling in that much, you need to make the changes that you have control over. Once you get more rest between shifts, you might like being where you are. Good luck to you!