New RN. Did I pick the right career?

[NurseJenny5]

I've been working on my own for about a month now and sometimes I find myself dreading to go to work. My husband found me crying the night before work and thought I was crazy. Is this normal? My nurse manager confessed to me that she used to vomit before each shift. Why does the line of work cause this reaction? When I"m at work I feel like I'm on eggshells the whole day. There's so much charting to do while my phone keeps ringing. When my shift is over I'm just happy none of my patients coded. Giving report to the night nurses always causes me anxiety also. I feel like I'm missing something and I feel they hate getting report from me because it's not complete. Maybe I'm paranoid. Sometimes they ask why wasn't this done or was the doctor called regarding a low blood pressure and to be honest I don't have much of a response except I didn't have time. It makes me feel incompetent, but I'm rushing all day. It's difficult to address everything. Sigh. Are all floors this stressful? Every day is a learning experience and I know with experience I'll learn how to address situations, but the learning period is difficult. I don't want my colleagues to think less of me or my patients have little confidence in me. Anyone else feel this way??

[Sillyiness]

I believe one area you might consider is seeking assistance from others. If faced with an issue (low blood pressure), you
might ask another nurse what suggestions they may have. There will always be additional concerns and issues that will
surface during one's shift related to patient care, and they are just as important as the current medications and treatments. Also,
do not forget to ask your patient's when there last BM was. This simple question, and one that is often not asked can solve a lot
of problems (loss of appetite, gas problems, abdominal cramping)....

[MsKeesh]

I'm a new student nurse. With any NEW job we are not going to be perfect! I say be confident in all that you do and if your not sure ask someone for help. As you said everyday is a learning experience and each day will get better. One thing I ask that you do is simply pray before each shift. It gives a sense of peace. Pray that during the course of your day your steps are ordered, you'll find how smooth the day will go. I wish you the best. Never doubt yourself.....

[ajb0125]

Relax and take a deep breath. You are still new and it takes a while to gain confidence and become better with time management. Please remember though, the patient is top priority and if you feel you are not catching something or don't know what something - ASK. Go to the charge nurse, ask another nurse or talk with the nurses who oriented you to the unit.
The learning never stops.

[svetlpya]

Hi! I can hear you frustration. I want to calm you down. Nursing has so much different areas, what it is like a whole range of professions under one license roof. There do you work now? If my impression is right, I could expect you on the floor of nursing home. I have over 20 yeras of experience in nursing, and first hand knowelege of many areas of nursing. Tell more about yourself and how did you expected your work to be then you went to nursing school. May be I can give you some ideas to look forward in your career.
One thing is certain from you post: if you have so much paperworks, you working in low technology facility. You may wont something with EMR and computerised documentation. Used well, it save a lot of time and help to organize.
And do not panic. Experience is something to come with the time, not something anyone had been born with. It will come.