Too slow

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

I'm almost done with orientation and I'm worried I'm too slow and I don't want people to get mad because I'm slowing down the flow. When does a new ER nurse start to be able to really carry the load of a heavy assignment in a fast and effective way? I know there's lots of help, but I have been feeling like I shouldn't need the help. Any ideas on how to work on getting faster? Thank you in advance and I really appreciate all of the input I've gotten you all.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I still haven't gotten there fully (1.5 years later) but I am almost there and I am so proud that I finally have the hang of it. I work in a high volume very busy teaching hospital (non trauma center- thank God). It is OK and expected to need help. I do everything independently and usually don't delegate until I have to and when things get crazy my co-workers show up and help out. The more you do things the better you get (skills wise or patient wise). In the ER, speed is about routine (and there is some routine in the ER), anticipation, and stability of your patient.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Just accept that you are going to feel slow for a while; how long is different for everyone. But if you know what is going on with your patients, you are doing well! This transition just takes time, and you have to remember that you simply CANNOT do it all unless you really are able to be in two places at once; if so, I want to know your secret. :D There is a reason that we have a lot of help (on a good day) in the ER — because it's a team! Just keep on going. Has anyone told you that you're slow? I suspect they haven't, but you're just feeling like you are. :) One day you're going to be all caught up and you'll be in the middle of helping coworkers with their workloads and you'll think, hey, I think I've got this...

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Just accept that you are going to feel slow for a while; how long is different for everyone. But if you know what is going on with your patients, you are doing well! This transition just takes time, and you have to remember that you simply CANNOT do it all unless you really are able to be in two places at once; if so, I want to know your secret. :D There is a reason that we have a lot of help (on a good day) in the ER — because it's a team! Just keep on going. Has anyone told you that you're slow? I suspect they haven't, but you're just feeling like you are. :) One day you're going to be all caught up and you'll be in the middle of helping coworkers with their workloads and you'll think, hey, I think I've got this...

^Exactly!! :yes:

You CANNOT do it all.

What helped me translation was letting it go to do it all; sometimes an "all hands on deck" approach is needed; then once pts are stabilized and the monitoring phase is in place, it is more manageable.

Communication is key as well...pts been here for 1- 2 hrs, labs and imaging are back, what's the plan? Also, docs asking things in a timely manner to keep me focused when I'm being pulled in 1 million directions helps as well. :yes:

Keeping the change nurse and peers in the loop and vice versa helps the whole team keep a look out.

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Prioritize your pts. Who is the sickest??. The less sick ones can wait. Always u your resources and ask questions.

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.
Has anyone told you that you're slow? .

My preceptor has reminded me that I am getting behind and need to pick up the pace and told me to work on speed. When I'm doing things under pressure though, my anxiety gets in the way and I think I move slower. I think I will improve with time however. Thanks for the encouragement!

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Sometimes picking up the pace simply means move faster. If you can't do it while starting an iv or hanging a med, do it while walking to get supplies etc.

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