What is your patient load and how are you coping?

Tsmithlvn2rn · Oct 9, 2006

I graduated this past May, and I have since been working in a LTC/ Skilled Nursing Facility- on the 10-6 AM shift. I trained at first on the day shift for about 2 weeks. I can tell you that the night shift has allowed me the extra time to learn and experience many things. I am very lucky to work with one of 2 very seasoned Nurses -who have taken me under there wing. I also have brought many skills and ideas (and my PDA...LOL) to the table as well!!! I am the Charge Nurse with about 60-65 Residents per shift, Treatment Nurse, as well as Med Aide at night. WE all work well together and have a great team at night!! It just takes time to get used to the change in sleeping habits. I wouldnt change a thing!!!!!!!

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Oct 9, 2006

I am up to a full pt load, which is 2 pts for the ICU. It's hard, and I am coping. I get a lot of support from the other nurses. They always ask if they can help me or ask if I am alright when I start to look stressed.

There's good days and bad days, that's for sure!

MIA-RN1, RN · Oct 9, 2006

I am off orientatin and on a regular patient load, which on a good day is four mother/baby couplets (8 pts in all). But sometimes we get antepartums, or patients with twins, so it can fluctuate. And last week we all had 5 or some nurses even had 6 couplets---really busy then.

truern · Oct 9, 2006

This is my last week of orientation and I've been caring for four patients under the guidance of my preceptor (four is the typical patient load on my tele unit). I'm torn between being elated at being on my own next week and devastated at the thought of flying without a safety net.

Really, I don't know what I'm worried about. ALL the nurses on my unit are supportive and helpful.

New grad jitters, I suppose :)

LeesieBug · Oct 10, 2006

I have up to five in the ED. How I cope denpends a WHOLE lot on the combination of patients (as far as acuity), and the pace at which people come and go. The hardest times are when all bloody five wind up being ready for D/C at the same time...get them out and get five more in at about the same time.

I am learning to take a step back when I get bombarded and realize that that the sky will not fall if the ear pain in bed 10has to wait a few minutes while I get the chest pain in 15 started.

The personalities of the patients have a lot to do with the level of stress at any given time, also. Some people have family members that freakin' stalk me in the hall, CONSTANTLY asking "when...?" No matter how many times I explain the process and provide estimates of how long things may take.

It is definitely an adjustment. I can't wait until the time when at least SOME of the more mundane tasks start to happen on auto pilot, rather than having to focus on EVERY little aspect. It's exhausting, and my learning brain is TIRED!:zzzzz

Hang in there everybody!

crb613, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2006

Graduated in May, I work in M/S & really like it. The pt load is another thing. Seven was to be the max...I have had ten! Did a little fussing & it is better...I just don't know how long it will last. I am now working 3rd, & don't really like nights. I had a great orientation w/a really great nurse, everyone is very supportive...I keep hearing that I am doing a great job, & catch on fast..but about half the time I feel dumb as a rock & like I really do not know what I am doing. I hear other nurses talking different things & I am soooo lost. They just know what to do & when to do it...labs to look at, treatments/meds that might help ect. I feel like duh why didn't I think of that??? Anyway sorry for the whine fest! Good luck to everyone!

JenNJFLCA · Oct 13, 2006

I've been taking 4, and I'll be off orientation next month. I am already having nightmares....for example....it's 12pm and I still haven't given my AM meds that were due at 8.....I forget how to do a dressing change.........you know, those kinds of dreams. I just stand there, frozen, not sure what to do next. Sound like a little anxiety to anyone? I have to laugh at myself for having these dreams, but it's kinda scary. :sofahider My preceptor has been around asking me if I need anything and I only ask for help if I am drowning, which isn't that often. I'll be okay, but it's still scary! Good luck ot everyone! It's nice to have people to talk to that are in the same situation. :nurse:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2006

I work at a nursing home and have a load of 18 patients. It's manageable. :)