Calling the unit with things I forgot...too much?

[laceysrn]

I am a relatively new nurse - 7 months in. I work on a med-surg unit that is pretty hectic and fast paced (as most are I'm sure). I would say I'm a pretty meticulous nurse - in fact I struggle with perfectionism. Often when I'm driving home, or in the middle of the night, or the next day I'll remember something I forgot to pass on in report, or realize a possible mistake I might have made. I've called the unit back a few times, but I usually feel like I'm being a little OCD when I do that. My new rule for myself is to only call back if it's a safety issue.

Tonight I just called the unit because I realized that in the rush of events last night, the cup we set out for my patient to use for a urine culture wasn't sterile. In my imagination I imagined it coming back with all kinds of false results, and then the patient getting prescribed antibiotics he doesn't need....anyway I called the unit and they laughed at me and said they'll use another cup.

I guess I could just use some advice on how to balance this! Maybe it will get better with time. As a newer nurse I just can't always gauge what is a big deal, and what I should let go. I'm kind of embarrassed that I've revealed to my co-workers how much I obsess about things sometimes...on the other hand I'm so afraid of making a mistake/missing things that could cause harm to my patients. I would appreciate any advice or perspective on this that you more experienced nurses have! Thank you so much!

[RegularNurse]

I am an experienced nurse.

You are sweating the small stuff. Just try to be more careful and include these things in report.

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

I think calling back for the most important things is the right way to go. Eventually, I think you will have to call a lot less. But Med-Surg is a very busy place and we do tend to forget a thing or two in report.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

OP, your post is thoughtful and you have some self-awareness of where you are in the development of your clinical judgement.

Rest assured - the OCD new grad is far, far preferable to the scary new grad who is not self-aware.

You are definitely sweating the small stuff - but that will lessen with time. I like your resolution to only call if you feel like some info poses a safety risk to the patient. Consider whether one more "once over" glance around the patient's room or one more mental review of what you expect to communicate in report before you go will help you capture those last minute details near the end of your shift.