Will I get this??

[Karebear29]

I am a new RN, graduated in May 13 and just got off orientation in a sub-acute rehab facility. The ratio is up to 1:16 - the work load is not totally crazy but I can honestly say I have not had a "good" day so far in the 2 weeks I have been off orientation. My shifts are hectic during med pass and once I get through that I feel a sense of relief and things slow down but inevitably something "out of the ordinary" happens each shift which throws me off schedule ie. a pt fall, pt condition deteriorates, helping pt's to the bathroom (b/c cna's are too busy), new admit, g-tube or iv malfunction, f/c pulled out by pt and etc...). I have been leaving 1 - 2.5 hours past my shift just to finish up paperwork, charting, entering VS and etc. Everyone says "don't worry about it, you will fall into your own rhythm" but I can't help but feel discouraged and incompetent when it seems everyone else leaves nearly on time. I am not sure I can make it through my med pass any faster than I am doing now and I am consistently about 1 hour past policy (taking 3 hrs vs 2 hrs). I am an organized and thorough nurse but by the end of my shift something always happens to throw me off... We have an overwhelming amount of support staff (tx nurse, desk nurse and great cna's).

I am wondering if you / how you overcame these feelings and developed into a confident and successful nurse. I really want to be successful in this position so any suggestions or words of encouragement are welcome... Thanks!!

[ricksy]

I am a 52 yr old RN...in my second career. I could have written most of this post. I have been in LTC for 5 months....To answer your question, yes...you WILL get this. Sometimes I have 30 residents to attend to and we have NO desk nurse. I was scared that I would never get it down......I have done it so many times now that I can almost tell you the meds they are on by heart. As in any job, it takes time! Good Luck!