My best orientation mistakes

[skicoachrn]

I am week 4 in a 6 week orientation as a new RN in LTC/Rehab. I have done some really stupid stuff so far

Highlights:

10)__ Tried to hook up an IV antibiotic with kangaroo (g-tube) tubing!

9)__ Unhooked a suprapubic catheter to flush without pinching the tube. Hello pee! I love pee!....just not on my shirt and shoes.

8)__ Tried to draw up insulin in a 60 cc syringe using an 18 gauge needle!

7)__ Stood around feeling really clueless.

6)__ Asked a s/p CVA pt. with right sided paresis to squeeze my hand....with her right hand.

5)__ Hid in the bathroom when asked to flush that dang suprapubic catheter again.

4)__ Had daily fights and arguments with the IV pump. "There is no freakin air bubbles you stupid machine I finally did it right this time. Stop beeping!!!"

3)__ Said to a Pt: "I really like how your member looks". so embarrassing....but at least the ulcer on it is healing!

2)__ Hid in the bathroom for 14A's flush again......

1)__ Tripped and fell into a Pt's bed landing pretty much fully on top of him! talk about a laugh.

I have never felt so stupid, clumsy and DIS-oriented ever in my life as I have in the last 4 weeks of orientation.

[Tarabara]

Just a few months off orientation myself and I still feel pretty stupid at times. Just the other day I forgot the clamp the pt's NG suction after I gave him meds I also learned the hard way that once you spike a bag, you cant unspike it...vancomycin is very sticky! lol

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Many moons ago... I recall one of several mistakes during my first orientation week however, one memory stands out from the rest and it goes as follows. Having said that, I'm in my all white starched uniform as my preceptor is instructing me on how to change a colostomy bag, then she wants me to perform the task on another pt. everything went right until the pt. himself said "You did just right, it's well secure" as he slapped the colostomy bag and the feces landed all over my pants and shinny shoes Needless to say, from there on I double check any clamp on colostomy pts.