Soon to be GN need advice!!

[discobunni]

Hi everybody,

I'm on the brink of graduation within the next few weeks, and am studying for boards. I am working as a tech on an L&D unit, and I like it ok, but I'm still not sure that is really what I want to do... but there is a 6 month orientation, and 3 pts max per nurse (and they are STILL always stressed out). I probably have a pretty good chance of transitioning into a job there if I want it...(somewhere in Womens Health- Of course bigger pt load in PPU) However, I'm thinking of working on a med-surg unit to "leave my options open" so to speak. I may want to do ER someday, always seemed appealing (I'm an adrenaline junkie). I have no "niche" I have found that I am 100% certain about.... several things I have enjoyed so far. I'm deathly scared of working on the Med-Surg units here. I'm told the average is 8 pts per nurse at all the hospitals. I'm afraid of losing my license before I even really get it! I'm told the orientation on med-surg units isn't very long...leaving me on my own pooping my own pants! One of my biggest fears is getting all of those patients, with some of them 20+ meds, having to look all those up (because I'm not real good with meds) trying to cross reference them all and getting them all administered within the one hour window....I just don't see how that can be done! Either I make a "med error" because I didn't get the med to them on time (probably some important cardiac drug or something too!) or the other side of the coin is to miss some important detail when administering the 20+ drugs for each patient, because you don't have time to look them ALL up....OMG I'm already panicking! Am I crazy for thinking of doing this? How did everyone else get through this? :uhoh21::uhoh21::uhoh21::uhoh21::uhoh21::uhoh21::uhoh21:

[hlfpnt, BSN, RN]

First of all, take a nice deep breath! Try not to stress so bad over what's not even here yet...one day at a time! Now, question...are you planning to take NCLEX before you go to work or vise versa? If you're going to take NCLEX first, then put all your stress about a job on hold & concentrate on studying. If you're going to go to work right away, still put some of that stress aside. You have alot on your plate right now...just try to take it one day at a time. As far as the meds go, it doesn't take long to become familiar with them. Quite a few of them will become pretty much routine (prescribed frequently). As far as choosing a job goes, choose something that you think you'll enjoy...it's makes the learning process easier. And remember, there will always be somebody there to help you...all you have to do is ask. Your coworkers know you're new, they don't expect you to hit the floor knowing everything & for the most part are willing to help. They would rather you be safe & ask questions...never be afraid to ask! You'll catch on quicker than you think & probably surprise yourself! :)

Good luck to you!