Fearing I'd accidentally hurt or kill someone?

Susan9608 · Sep 20, 2007

I can't speak for anyone else, but I pretty much have those fears every day that I'm at work. I think it's good, because that fear makes you careful and makes you remember all your safety checks. When you get complacent, that's when mistakes happen.

Ms Kylee · Sep 20, 2007

Every day of every shift as a NA even though I do not pass meds. Every day of clinical. It's normal.... or so I've been told.

fultzymom · Sep 20, 2007

That fear will make you careful as a nurse. When you get to think you know everything et are perfect at your job, you become dangerous. There is a chance that you could do something to cause harm to someone. So remembering that will make you careful. Good luck!

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 20, 2007

I agree with the others that having some of those thoughts and fears is a good thing. They keep you vigilant and will help you be a safer, better nurse.

However, if they are truly "crippling" as you say in your post, then perhaps nursing is not a good career choice for you. If you will truly be too frightened to function, then you will be too frightened to help the patients. You may delay needed treatment or make a mistake because of your fears. You will also be miserable in a nursing career. It takes a certain amount of courage to be a nurse -- and self-confidence. You have to be comfortable accepting responsibility for the well-being of other people. If you can't be happy in a job that requires you to take that responsibililty, you should pause and think about your career choices before you make a big investment in a career for which you might not be well-suited.

Having said that ... what was your reaction to what I just wrote? Did it make you feel a little defiant? Did you want to tell me that you know you can handle it and that you will be as capable and competent as the next nurse? If yes, then nursing is probably for you. Go for it! Good luck! I wish you all the success in the world.

However, if what I said made you feel relieved, as if a burden had been lifted from you ... maybe you shouldn't be a nurse. If thinking about what I said gives you a reason for NOT being a nurse that makes you feel relieved, then maybe nursing is not the best career choice for you. There are other health care careers that don't involve so much risk -- and maybe you would be happier in one of those.

EmmaG, RN · Sep 20, 2007

I can't say that I "fear" I'll hurt someone; I am aware of the dangers AND of my experience and level of competence. I know when to go to a reference or ask for assistance, when to refuse an assignment or procedure, and do my best to practice safe.

Once you've had some experience as a student, and even more so as a graduate, you'll soon lose the fear, and develop that awareness.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Sep 20, 2007

This same fear kept me from being a nurse for at least 5 years. Finally, I did it and got my degree. I do worry, everyday, but it makes me a good careful nurse and I can accept the responsibility now.

You are right to be concerned and understand that nurses have an incredible amount of responsibility. But fortunately some people do step up to the mat and do it.

As your education and experience grow this fear will be lessened.

LLG said it really good. I can't say it any better

RNperdiem, RN · Sep 20, 2007

I still feel that way sometimes; it is a realistic fear when you take care of critically ill patients. As I have gained experience, the fear diminishes somewhat. Having experienced coworkers is a plus; if anything goes wrong, then the cavalry is coming.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2007

I fear that every day I work. As above, it's not a crippling fear, but one that keeps me on my toes allowing me to never let my guard down. To always keep my eyes and ears open, follow the five rights, trust my guts, etc.

leslie :-D · Sep 21, 2007

i can't say i'm afraid, but i am vigilantly attuned to the responsibilities i have.

most of the meds i administer are potent narcotics, to a pt population who have multi-system organ failure.

use your resources available to you.

more important, don't ever be afraid to ask questions.

collaborate with others.

do not allow yourself to feel rushed when giving high-alert meds.

many nurses use pda's with applicable software programs, for immediate access to pertinent information.

but to answer your question, yes, your fears are normal.

as another poster pointed out, if it's to the point where it impedes your progression in nursing, then you may need to consider another path.

best of everything to you.

leslie

doglvr · Sep 21, 2007

Like everyone else has said, I think it is normal. I'm still in nursing school, but I would assume that as time goes on you get more confident in your abilities. I know after every clinical that I give medications (which I do along with my instructor) I can never sleep that night because I'm so worried that I gave someone the wrong medication. As crazy as this sounds, I always feel relieved to come into the hospital the next day and see the patients that I gave the meds to are still alive! Over time I know I'll get more confident but I think the key is to never feel too confident because that's when you usually make mistakes. Good luck!

gt4everpn, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2007

well when you are in nrsg school and clinicals you will learn techniques and things put in place to prevent killing or harming someone, as long as you know your stuff( medications) and procedures you are safeguarded so don't kill(no pun intended) yourself over it! nrsg is a gradual process as long as you have the fundamentals you will be fine!