New lpn: "it's happened to us all"

[SAMc0515]

Hello everyone! It's been awhile so I want to give an update and reveal everything I've learned in my first 2 weeks as a nurse.

So, last Friday (7/31) ended my second week of first shift orientation.... And I worked by myself! It was quite an experience and I wondered if they were sure they wanted me to work alone

The reason I say this is because just 2 or 3 days before that, I made a med error 🙈. I accidentally gave one resident her roommate's medicine. Thankfully, they included no narcs or anything that would affect the resident significantly. But, no matter the meds, it was a med error to say the least.

Of course, I panicked. The nurse I was orienting with just kept telling me to calm down. When the unit manager arrived, she kept telling me to calm down, it was a mistake and every nurse has done it at least once. But that didn't make me feel any better still. Then, the DON came and her response!? "It happens to us all. I've done it, ______ done it, and ____ done it. Any nurse who says they haven't is lying. So calm down." But I still was panicking. I panicked even more when they say I had to call the residents daughter, who was her primary contact. I was too afraid to call, so the nurse I was orienting with did. She was on the phone for approximately 3 minutes when she said, "her daughter wants to talk to you." I started to sweat and feel dizzy. I just knew her daughter was about to blast me out.

I picked up the phone and after a shaky "hello" her daughter said "Hi, Sabrina. This is ____, Mrs. ______ daughter and I just want you to know you're okay. I've been a nurse for 20 something years and I assure you I've made med errors. According to ______ (the nurse I was orienting with), you handled the situation as you should've. You got vitals, you reported the med errors, you crossed checked meds to know what adverse reactions to look for. I'd say you're on your way to being the best nurse ever. One who can admit their mistakes and do what needs to be done after the mistake has been made. Thank you." I was shocked. Couldn't believe that after I gave her elderly mother a cup full of wrong meds, she was thanking me. I instantly began to cry.

But, all in all, I learned a lot that one day alone!

So, I have 2 more weeks of second shift orientation and then I'll be on my own. (They give all new nurses 4 weeks orientation instead of 2). I'm pretty excited still, just a lot more cautious!

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

It is true that we all make mistakes. That isn't an exuse, it doesn't make it right, it just means that you are human. You fessed up and you took appropriate measures to limit damage. That is the correct way to handle things after a mistake.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

See?? Not all COBs like to snack on newbies lol.

And everyone was right. We've all made mistakes. Fortunately, most of them don't end in patient injury.

It only becomes a problem if it keeps happening. Learn from your mistakes and you will be fine. And remember to breathe.

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

Good for you for reporting it...that is the best way to help the patient!

[kidsmom002]

Taking responsibility and ownership of your mistake demonstrates that you are an honest and safe nurse. We have all made mistakes; it's how we handle them that demonstrates our competence as nurses. Learn from your mistake. I guarantee that memory will make you much more cautious in the future and you won't make the same mistake again. Good luck :)