Dumb things you've done in clinical

[sjalv]

Threads like these are always fun. What's something dumb/silly you've done during clinicals?

I was on a med/surg floor and my patient's IV needed flushed. I had the saline flush and removed the cap, and was about to push it. My instructor asked, "Did you break the seal?" I thought I had out of habit, but couldn't remember. She said, "Just pull back until you feel it 'pop'." I pulled back with such force that I pulled the plunger out and the saline got on my patient's blanket. She didn't even notice (geri patients...) and my instructor couldn't stop laughing.

[motay68]

I was getting ready to straight cath a patient with a clinical instructor I had never been to clinical with before. After I set up the sterile field she told me I handled keeping sterile like a pro. As I was giving my witty reply, I caught the edge of the pad and dumped my entire STERILE field onto the ground.

I was thankful the patient wasn't aware (again geri patients) but my instructor still busts me about it.

[Alisonisayoshi, LVN]

Pt was two days post op bowel obstruction, ng removed the day before, advanced to full liquids and super uncooperative. Pt had removed his own darn iv. No meds were ordered po yet. Pt was complaining of some nausea. no iv access for his antemetic. Went to go speak to his nurse and my instructor about what to do, got sidetracked (for like two minutes) and found my instructor in the hall. Heard VIOLENT vomiting noises from down the hall. My instructor: "is that your patient?" Me: "Oh no" my instructor: "you gave him an basin right?" Me: "oh God no" with a very horrified look on my face. Yeah, it was EVERYWHERE! Lesson learned: if they say they feel even a little nausea, get a basin. :/

[duskyjewel]

This is from CNA clinicals, not nursing school, but....

First time changing a brief on my own. Open brief, get down to wiping and realize as I get him clean and it's time to turn to the other side that there is no clean brief in the room! Lower bed, rip off gloves, run out into hall, find brief as quick as I can and then return to room. Start process of getting brief tucked under him and put my hand on his hip as I tell him to turn, and realize.....I feel skin. On my skin. Holy crap I forgot to put on gloves!!! I managed not to totally lose it and finished getting him changed and settled. Then I ran to the nearest sink and washed fingertips to elbows with soap and hot water. For about five minutes.