suspended :(

[stethoscope21]

Last week, my 2 coworkers and I got a med error because we did not give the coumadin, we assumed that because the mar was flipped, it means that it was discontinued. I felt really stupid because that is very important. Then, during my last duty, I was about to give the patient the wrong medicine but the family member noticed it and i went to double check and yikes it was the wrong medicine. I asked the patient if she was having diarrhea and she said yes so I threw it away. Then I was about to give the suppository instead of the cream. That day was crazy, so many interruptions, 3 admissions, 1 trying to get up all the time. I've never felt so stupid in my entire life. I'm incompetent, unsafe and a failure. I should've triple check everything and follow the basics (Five rights). It happened in my first nursing job in long term care. I'm working there for almost 7 months now. Patient is fine but the family member might report me to the state. I got suspended. I am not sure how long. I'm really depressed. I'm trying to find another job but it's really hard to get motivated when all I think about is "Is nursing really meant for me?" I'm disappointed in myself. I don't want to lose my license that I've worked hard for. would love to hear your advice awesome nurses....

[stethoscope21]

@morte: can you elaborate more on the reason why i should be tested for add?

thank you for all the advice. i don't want to lose my license, i love being a nurse.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

You seem scattered....not concentrating. Perhaps even a little hyper...so maybe ADHD even.

good luck

@morte: can you elaborate more on the reason why i should be tested for add?

thank you for all the advice. i don't want to lose my license, i love being a nurse.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

....don't think that is the state agency that the OP was referring to. The OP works in LTC. The "state" to LTC isreg body over seeing LTC.

I work in LTC - I get the question. The "state" does not take away licenses - the BON takes licenses. If she is worried about losing her license she would be worried about the BON

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

I don't want to lose my license that I've worked hard for. .

Referring to this statement

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

While I would never presume to suggest that the OP's difficulties are related to some kind of psychiatric disorder---we're not doctors, and that's beyond our scope of practice---she does sound somewhat harried and perhaps trying to do too much at one time. And as we all know, that's when mistakes happen.

OP, you want to avoid as many distractions as possible when passing meds; sometimes that means prioritizing med administration over the admission paperwork (you've got 8 hours from the time they arrive on the unit to assess them) and the faxes and the family phone calls (it's OK to ask them to call back later!).

You are not the first nurse to make a med error or ALMOST make a med error; nor does it mean you're incompetent or unfit to be a nurse. It's what you do with the lessons learned from these mistakes that counts. Now get yourself back up on that horse and ride, and don't worry about the BON at this point.....you are a long way from losing your license.

[EmTheNewRN]

The fact that you are upset over the situation is great: it means you care, that you take the responsibilities of the job seriously. I'd be more worried about someone who only said "Yeah whatever, I'm human, it's ok." Which is mostly true! As long as human beings are responsible for medical care, there will be errors. Don't take it lightly, but don't think it means you can't be a great nurse.

The way to grow through this is to figure out if there is a pattern to the way you prep/pass meds that is causing mistakes and fix that when you get back to work, whether it is your current job or a new one.

I'm a notebook nerd, it's the way I have gotten through new jobs in the past (and the way I plan to get through training for my first nursing position, also LTC, which starts next week!). When I learn something important, I write it down for review later and for having on-hand when I need to perform a skill. If you need a little help focusing on the task, in all seriousness, try writing down each step in your med pass, (or anything in particular that you have been forgetting) including the rights/checks. Pull it out for a quick look when you're doing your med pass. If a notebook wouldn't work d/t infection control issues, you can use index cards or business card sized papers, which can be laminated or kept in a plastic sleeve you can sanitize.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

it may seem redundant however, don't forget to follow the 5 golden rule when dealing with patients medications & administration of such, i'm sure it has been an awakening plus another lesson to place under your belt. wishing you the best always ... aloha~

[OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN]

Have you ever been tested for ADD?

Yup, that was easy... nurse makes mistakes and is suspected of having ADD.

Even if he/she does have ADD does it mean that he/she can not be a competent/safe nurse?

To the OP I know exactly how you feel. I worked in LTC for a couple years and thankfully got out of it. It is so easy to make careless mistakes when you have so much to do in so little time.

Try your best to slow down and focus better. When administering meds do not respond to others unless it is a dire emergency. I used to get easily distracted during med pass until I started to make everyone aware that I'm not to be bothered during med pass. This includes family members as well.

You acknowledged your short comings not it is time to do something about it. Explore the root of your errors. Meet with your manager to develop a plan to improve. Show that you are willing to do better.

So far as the family report, try not to stress about it. If possible, look for another job too.

[lumbarpain, ADN, RN]

We all make mistakes. Some more than others, some say they dont, some dont want to admit it, some just keep making mistakes over and over again and make no amends to find out why they are doing it. If Nursing is truly what you want maybe its a good idea to get away from the type of nursing you are doing. It may be telling you that somewhere else there is another nursing career perfect for you. I have TRIED ON PURPOSE to get out of LTC. I have had it for 18 years. I dont care for it anymore. Not because I made alot of mistakes, not because of the patients, its because of the system we all work in. Too many patients, too much paperwork, too much stress, not enough good auxillary help. Plus I have injured myself numerous times over the years lifting, pushing, pulling, standing long periods of time. But....as with anyone...If you truley want to stay where you are, you like the staff you are with, the patients and your job, by all means dont give up. I would keep trying to improve myself and seek out others who can help you the most. If your heart is in your work, be more careful. Always picture yourself being in that bed, or a friend or family member. Always double check if you are not sure. ASK ASK ASK the Nurse Manager, The Supervisor, this will provide you with a backup. I never trusted any nurse I followed on my shift. I always made sure. I reminded them of things that werent done or overlooked. Keep a small journal on your patients yourself. Never mind report.....you cannot trust that at times cause I KNOW through experience that when I came in the next day, the things I had put on report never came back to me or where just written off as nothing. Keep it for yourself. Its a pain, I know, but this has helped me greatly.....once one nurse Called me a name......Super Nurse.....I somehow took it as a compliment but then I took it as jealousy because I got things done. Hope this helped.

[Aongroup1990, CNA]

It's normal to make mistakes How will you learn...Oh wait are you already a nurse. congratz keep going....

[redhead_NURSE98!, ADN, BSN]

Even if he/she does have ADD does it mean that he/she can not be a competent/safe nurse?

I guess I missed the part where morte said, or even suggested that.

[Lynx25, LPN]

I know it's unavoidable sometimes, but I try not to get interrupted. You want your meds first "just because"? NOPE. I start at the beginning and go to the end. SOMEONE'S got to be last. It's not because I don't care, or because I'm mean, it's because the more you guys jibberjabber and hang on to my cart, the more errors I'm going to make.

Coumadin I'm picky with. I've gotten to the point where if I notice a change, I go check the chart. WHO flipped the MAR though? I'd say that one's not all your fault.

*edit* Lumbarpain, your font gives me a headache.