Careless mistake

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Specializes in homehealth.

Hi all,

I've been a PDN for a year, and today was my first time making a big mistake. I was transferring my patient and their GT extension got caught on the chair they were in and the Micky button got yanked out. I was able to place a new one and verify it was patent within 8-10 minutes, but it was still careless. 

I tried to stay as calm as possible, but the patients caregiver was understandably upset and feels as though I didn't act fast enough. The pts caregiver feels like I need more training, so my supervisor is giving me the weekend to process before we talk about next steps. 

Overall, it was a dumb mistake, but I still feel like a bad nurse. Any advice for getting past mistakes and not letting them happen again? 

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Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

Hi placing it back within that time frame is acceptable.  I think they were just upset it got yanked out.  Things happen! Don't continue to dwell on it. We just had a fall on a case with a very experienced nurse, 20+ years. It is not always in your control. I do transfer slowly if I can because I think problems happen when you go fast. 

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It's okay 

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What do you mean "next steps"? Are you getting fired?

 

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Gtubes get dislodged often enough. You fixed it, that is what separates you as a good  nurse.  LIPs make mistakes all the time. B/c  I value the working relationship and the patient, I notify them and ask for a change in order. They need to treat you like a team member, which they are not doing. 

Next steps are to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Did you have enough trained staff? How large was patient?  The solutions will likely be things mgt will not act upon, because it will cost them pennies. Suggest them anyway,  you are a partner here, use your voice. 

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Specializes in ER.

Yes things happen, and yes you fixed it. Something I like to do every time I transfer G-Tube pt is quickly tape up the tube to the abdomen to minimize the chances of it coming out because unlike you, I would not know how to replace a G-Tube!

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