Less than a week starting on my own as a nurse I've already screwed up.
My charge RN tells me that I made a medication error a night before. I gave Endocet 10/325 instead of a 10/650, and for the rest of that shift I kept doubting myself and working a lot slower. One of the aides tells me something is wrong with one of my patients. Patient is all well restless and combative. I read his med sheet list a second time and found out he was given 60 units of Lantus on the evening shift. His sugar ended up being 40 and he couldn't swallow. A glucagon IM only raised his sugar to 47 for some reason so the MD was notified and they said to try another glucagon. The patient eventually came around but it was one of the worst experiences I had, I feared I was going to have to take the person to the hospital and earn extra spite from the ER staff for not knowing how to manage a hypoglycemic.
I feel like this is just a sign I'm doing something really wrong. And right now I dread returning to work, because it was so embarrassing how I handled myself during the hypoglycemic situation. I almost passed out/burst into a fury of tears.
Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.
Don't let this experience catapult your mindset into one of complete failure. You are thinking in a catastrophic manner.
Maybe it sounds something like this in your head:
"I have to go back to work and face these nurses who will no doubt think I am an idiot because of the mistake I made. I may as well wear a sign on my back that says 'new nurse idiot'. I don't know why I am even here! I suck! I can't believe I made that mistake-I wonder what mistake I will make today? I should just quit my job, quit nursing and go live in a cardboard box. Maybe THEN I won't make a mistake!"
See how your thoughts can snowball into something that isn't even close to reality?
The catastrophe you are imagining in this (rather small) mistake is irrational and it is warping your perception of reality. It may seem like the world has ended, but honey-you have already proven that you are an excellent nurse because you care enough about your mistake to feel angst.
You will make more mistakes-that is part of learning something new. If you have any doubts about something, get your co-workers to check behind you.
A med error seriously sucks, but you didn't hurt or kill anyone and, TRUST ME, everyone makes them sooner or later. You will get better. It's good you made such a minor one. Now you'll be more careful.
As for the blood sugar, sounds to me like you did good! You took the time to investigate, figured out what was wrong and fixed it! Good job!!!!
It takes a long time to feel comfortable. Give yourself a break, and just watch the MAR, and take your time. You can do it!!!!
A med error seriously sucks, but you didn't hurt or kill anyone and, TRUST ME, everyone makes them sooner or later. You will get better. It's good you made such a minor one. Now you'll be more careful.
As for the blood sugar, sounds to me like you did good! You took the time to investigate, figured out what was wrong and fixed it! Good job!!!!
It takes a long time to feel comfortable. Give yourself a break, and just watch the MAR, and take your time. You can do it!!!!
Overall, I'd have to agree. You did good in figuring out what the problem was and set about fixing it as soon as you could!
Take it easy on yourself. You made a minor medication error that in reality had no effect to the patient other than perhaps providing slightly less pain relief. Take it as what it is: a reminder to be super careful.
It sounds like you managed the hypoglycemic patient fine. It takes a while to feel like you know what you're doing, and even after years you will find times when you're uncertain. Just always try to err on the side of caution and patient safety and things should work out OK.
It's better to cry wolf and look like an idiot than to not respond appropriately to a patient's deterioration.
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
Every shift you survive is another shift of experience under your belt. One shift at a time. That is how everybody handles it. Hang in there.