Hi

I am a new nurse, graduated in May 2011 and got a job on an extremely busy med-surg/tele floor and the end of november.  I am right now still in orientation with 4 weeks to go.  I feel like I am struggling, and I can't keep up with the demands of this busy floor.  I feel as though I miss things, and that 3 or 4 patients is all i can handle, even when we usually get 4 with 2 lpn coverage.  I will ask for more orientation time if i need it, but the thing is- even with more time, i don't think i will be ready.  So far i've only worked days, and i'm rotating to nights this week.  Everyone says nights are a little more mellow- don't get me wrong, night shif nurses work hard too! But you don't have the rushing of PT and Docs in and out, and theres no meals, and less family! Will nights be better for me as a new grad? What should I do if I feel as though I'm just not catching the rythm of things? If i feel overwhelmed with even the regular workload?  I still feel like I don't know when and what I should be calling doctors about! Or even who to call when any one patient has 4-5 docs on consult for different things!! Help!