world's biggest loser

[ellieheart]

Hi all, I'm finding myself in the same situation over and over again, let go within a few months. I've had 4 nursing jobs, but none of them lasted more than 6 months. They all say the same thing, " I'm taking longer than I should be to get things done."

I don't want to give up on nursing, and I don't have enough experience to qualify for a desk job as an RN. I spent way to much time, energy, and money on this career to just throw it out the window and take a job flipping burgers. Hopefully someone out there knows of an area of nursing that would work for me?

thanks, E.

[2k15NurseExtern4u, BSN, RN]

Wow. That sucks. I really hooe things turn around for you, you seem like a very meticulous and caring nurse. Maybe you should visit a doctor about your concerns. Perhaps get a perscription that will help you work more effeciently. I really hope the tides turn in your favor and you find something that works for you. Good luck!

[SierraBravo]

I'm assuming your previous jobs have been in a hospital. If so, then yes, you need to hone your ability to multitask and get things done in a timely fashion. With that being said, sometimes you can't possibly get everything done during a shift and nursing is a 24/7 job, so if it's not something critical then leaving it for the next shift is reasonable (i.e. a dressing change that is due, etc...). It sounds like you need to reflect on your experiences and try to get to the core of why things aren't working out. Is it due to lack of skills, lack of knowledge, lack of confidence, etc...? Once you get to the core reason(s) why you are finding yourself in this position, then you can start formulating a strategy and plan to ensure you don't find yourself in this same position again.

[RunBabyRN]

Sounds like working on some time management skills might be helpful. Or is it that you're not picking stuff up as quickly as they need you to?

Staying organized can really help with time management. One thing I have found that helps (and we're all different, this is just my thing) is writing out each hour of my shift and everything that needs to happen for each patient within that hour- treatments, meds, and the like. I also write out for each patient what needs to happen at some point on my shift. I have a separate column for documentation, and I put red checkboxes next to everything that needs to happen and in the documentation column as appropriate. This helps me to stay on task and not miss things. I also leave room to write in new stuff (because new stuff always comes in!), or new patients. I can do some of this while waiting for report, and finish immediately after, when I can look at the meds due. It helps me to see when I have bigger windows of time for the things that need to happen at some point, and where I can use my time effectively. It helps me to see when I'm going to be very busy, so I can manage that time appropriately, or try to do things that are less time-sensitive at a slower time.

If it's that you're not picking up on things fast enough, it might be good to invest in a refresher course, IV certification, or anything else that might help you to hone in your skills. Maybe even offer to volunteer for a skills lab at a local college?

Seeking out a mentor might help as well. Work your connections, talk to professors you had, anything that you feel might help. The guidance might help build your confidence and help you to strengthen those areas of opportunity that are holding you back.

[Lucky724]

You don't say where you worked - assuming a hospital - so maybe look to home health, hospice, the health department, an MD office, long term care, school nursing..there are other options, even for a new nurse, besides the hospital. Get on the career/employment sites, the county gov't sites where you live and look to see what's out there. There is a place for you & if you go through school and passed the boards you are capable - you just haven't found the right fit yet.

[NorthmanRig]

I used to be told I was too slow as well. I have ADD so I am pretty bad with doing things that require thinking while being fast. I started taking Modafinil for it and I don't have that problem at all anymore and I can focus and complete tasks like a beast. You should see a doctor about it and try to get on something that helps with focus and concentration. I am not saying you have ADD or anything. But there are some medications that are helpful for speeding up your brain so that even if you are the meticulous type who takes their time like me (but mixed with ADD,) you will be even faster with knocking steps out of the processes in the daily grind. Also, start doing lots of leg exercises for muscle building and endurance. It will take care of the travel and fatigue aspect of "getting things done" so all that will be left to worry about is the mental aspect. Don't feel like the worlds biggest loser, trust me, there are others who really lose and being a nurse and what it took to get there; you aren't a loser.