Iv infiltration on Pediatric patient

[Ontario]

Fellow nurses: I had an Iv infiltrate on a pediatric patient and didnt discover it. The nurse whom I gave report to found it on her morning rounds. I got written up and a three day suspension . I feel terrible . I have been a nurse for over twenty years and this is the first time anything like this has ever happened to me. What do I do now? How can I regain my reputation? I will be surprized if I am able to keep my job! Any advise out there ?

[Bettybooppp...]

Kate, IV infiltrates happen all the time. What makes ped infiltrates so different is that they can happen quickly and since infants have alot smaller body and cannot tell you if the site is hurting they need to be checked hourly and the parents need to be informed on what to look for so they can notify the nurse in between that hour time. once the intial infiltrate takes place they say the tissue in the body becomes more flexible and the infant may not show signs of pain. once it has gone past that point necrosis can set in and even compartment syndrome. Although it sounds very scary if you are faithful to do your job and check the site hourly It is nothing more then any responsibility as a nurse.