1st year NSG!

levisandtees · Sep 4, 2008

Hi Ready,

Unfortunately no advice but just wanted to let you know that you're not alone (I could have written this post having myself just posted a msg about feeling like a sham and know nothing nurse at LTC).

After reading others' posts I believe that maybe it will get better (or on the flip side I will realize that LTC is not for me) but I'm going to stick it out to find out.

I just keep thinking that if I had 20 residents instead of 30 I would be fine you know?

Best of luck and feel free to vent anytime!!

rabbitgirrl · Sep 5, 2008

Oy! I, too, am at an ECF, 16 months out of graduation. It IS overwhelming, but, fortunately, there is one mentor here who keeps coming by and listening to my constant lament (But its x o'clock and I haven't even..., But I haven't even started charting, But these med aren't here? what is xerofoam? ect). She says in the calmest voice "its OK, no-one is ever done by that time. Its OK, I didn't know at first, either. It's OK, three lines is enough if nothing is going on.

After a while, I started thinking, why can't I do this calming for myself? So I tried and it works (somewhat). You simply can't be in two places at one time. You can't know a procedure before you learn it. You will become more proficient naturally, if you simply keep going. All you can do is all you can do. Worrying that it isn't enough doesn't help you or your residents. Have compassion for them and for yourself, remember, you are one of the few that even cares to attempt this sort of thing, and the residents are very fortunate to have someone who cares. YOU ROCK! things will get better.