Three Weeks in... No Sweat!!!

Finished my third week as an RN and am loving it. This week has been tough, but my substitute preceptor felt I was doing extremely well, minus problems with time management. (But that should come with experience).

She was expecting me to breakdown and cry yesterday, but was even more suprised that I held it together and kept the smile on my face!)

Yesterday I had four very tough patients (thursday I had 5 patients with one being tough). Did I feel the pressure, yes I did. But I took my anxiety and my nerves and put them in the back of my head, and went in there and nursed with the best of them.

I am not allowing the anxiety to get to me. That use to be my achillies heel, When my anxiety reared its ugly head, it would paralise me as my mind over componsates. Now I am using my anxiety as a strength.

I am keeping the attitude of I can do this, because I can. I know it is hard and I know it is tough. But that is the type of challenge I like. And I can't let my own anxieties get in the way. I need to be there for the patient.

By the end of next week, I should have 6 or 7 patients. No sweat.

I love this profession. And I am turning into a lean clean nursing machine!!! I look so forward to each shift. (Except when my alarm goes off at 0535. I'm not a morning person) Can't wait til monday's shift!!!!

Adam, RN

I just finished my third week too, and wish I looked forward to my shifts like you do. The people I work with seem to think I should be as fast and experienced as they are. I guess they dont remember being a new nurse. Do you work with nice, encouraging people? I start nights this week and am hoping it's better. I know the people are, so that should make a difference.

congrats to you both! :)

Congrats!

Awesome job Adam! :) I just finished my 5th week of my RN orientation & when I go to work next week I'll be up to taking 5 patients-I'm excited & nervous! Maybe I could borrow some of your confidence? :) I just get so nervous sometimes to get everything done on time & I notice I tend to literally almost run from one thing I'm doing to the next. The nurses I work with are always telling me "Breathe....slow down! " I do feel a lot better now than 5 weeks ago however-actually, I noticed that the more shifts in a row I work-the better I feel (even though right now I'm tired from working 5 days straight).

-Christine

I just finished my third week too, and wish I looked forward to my shifts like you do. The people I work with seem to think I should be as fast and experienced as they are. I guess they dont remember being a new nurse. Do you work with nice, encouraging people? I start nights this week and am hoping it's better. I know the people are, so that should make a difference.

Yes, they are encouraging. No one expects me to know everything. As well as they realize I am inexperienced. One interesting thing to note, a couple have commented that I seem to be way ahead of the curve in where I should be for a newbie.

I actually have one more week before I switch to my evening shift. I can't work nights. I have been known to fall asleep on my feet. (Yes sleeping and standing at the sametime.)