Clinical mistake

[Babyd2013]

So I made my 1st real clinical mistake...I was asked to collect a urine sample on someone that wasn't my patient. I've never done this before so while I was consumed with performing the collection correctly on a difficult patient I inadvertently put the wrong pts name on the collection label. I unfortunately didn't catch this error on my own. Now I'm dreading clinical and any little bit of confidence I had is gone..does anyone have any advice on how to deal with making mistakes. I feel awful I made such a dumb error.

Thanks

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

Eh, it happens. Look at it as an opportunity for growth. You probably will be less likely to repeat that error. Joint Commission requires labeling the sample in front of the patient and verifying two patient identifiers.

Try that next time, and don't say "Are you John Doe, DOB 1/2/34?" Have them give you their name and such. MOst of the time they'll say yeah even if you call them the wrong name.

[loriangel14, RN]

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[SleeepyRN]

I understand feeling the way you do. But it is a great learning experience. Not just with samples, but ALWAYS verifying name, DOB....for everything required to do so from now on.

Med administration

Radiology orders (I almost ordered a chest x-ray for the wrong pt yesterday)

Blood product administration

And many many more.

If your school punishes you, tell them you understand the situation, tell them you know what you did wrong and that that experience has further drilled the importance of checking your work.

Schools are more kind when they know you are taking steps to prevent a mistake from ever happening again.

[megRNn]

At least you learned a lesson about using patient identifiers and it was not too serious (didn't harm anyone). Mistakes are about learning and I bet you'll be more vigilant in the future. School is for learning and making mistakes. Don't be too hard on yourself!

[missycrowell]

Don't feel bad, I had something similar happen (put the label on the lid) and my instructor said "well.... You won't do that again" :)

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

It's not very reassuring but it happens. I screwed up and grabbed the wrong sticker because I was trying to explain to mom something. Both mom and toddler were a baby. So I had to redo a strep test. It sucks. It also has happened where samples get dropped. If it was something that they tapped, it would be a bigger issue because they can't just get the fluids.