Why is it so hard to be a bedside nurse as a new grad? Is it just me? I get 6 patients everyday. It’s so hard to manage time. I get pre shift anxiety.
Sorry to hear this! Do you have a mentor ? Can u confide in your nurse manage?
6 pts can be a challenge esp if y are admitting and dc pts during your shift!
Time Managment is something you will gain as your confidence and experience grows.
Be aware of work arounds stick to policy and procedure to avoid consequences .
When I was NM I had open door policy so staff could feel free to seek help , guidance etc
I wish u luck
It is hard because you haven't yet developed your prioritzaion, or time management skills. That is something that will come in time. I was always running my @$$ off for my entire shift when I first graduated and started because unless any of my patients were in absolute dire distress I'd get so overwhelmed that I wouldn't think things through, I'd just pick a task and do it. Then I'd spend the rest of my night playing catch up because had I proritzed and thought up a plan based on how my patients were doing and their acuity, things would have been easier. That will come in time.
Another things that I did was read books in my off time about being a new nurse. One that I specifically remember is "The New Nurse Survival Guide:
Survive and Thrve as a New Nurse," by Jon Haws RN. I got it off Amazon for maybe $7 or $8 and its a quick read but it has a lot of good advice in it. Feel free to just look for new or graduate nurse books though.
Dont get disouraged. Right now you are the nurse that needs help, but some day soon, you will be the one helping others.
