Feeling Like An Idiot

[LPNBC99]

Just looking for a second opinion on this circumstance. I work as an LPN in long term care, 12 hour night shifts 7pm to 7am. Tonight is my first night shift ever as an LPN.

Tonight was our med roll change In which we receive all new medication rolls for the residents for the week. The float nurse does one unit and I do two units.  I did my units, she did hers and her shift ended at 0100hr. When preparing for my 0500 med pass at 0330 ( wanted to see what residents needed meds) I noticed that one resident did not receive a med roll at all (there was nothing in the medication bin). I called a nurse in a different building ( only one nurse per building) to ask what I should do in this situation. She told me that I can call the emergency pharmacy, but they probably won’t answer and the day nurse will most likely need to call them. 

I decide to phone the emergency pharmacy as per the other nurses recommendation and boy oh boy the lady who answered was not happy that I called. She said “why are you calling me about this now, there’s nothing I can do for you, why didn’t you call in the evening when we actually have people in” her tone of voice sounded very angry and she just continued to scold me about calling this late, and made me feel like a complete idiot. At the end of it all she asked me for my name and now I feel like I’m going to get into some kind of trouble. She says that they can’t even send us medications until the late afternoon because there is no one in until 9am.

As of now the resident will not have any morning meds…

I feel so dumb and as if I did something wrong by calling. And at the end of the call I felt really guilt/bad so I apologized and said “I’m sorry for waking you up”. What an idiot I am, sounds very passive aggressive now that I’m looking back on it.

[Emergent, RN]

I wouldn't worry about it. You are brand new and someone advised you to call. It's fine to apologize to people for waking them up but that lady was being unkind and rude. Don't feel like an idiot.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

I agree, you did nothing wrong. You advocated for your patient to try to obtain their medication. I think anyone would apologize if they thought their actions upset someone. 

Verify with your supervisor what the proper procedure is going forward, and move on. 

You are not an idiot. Someday you will look back and laugh about this one. 

I was working nights in a hospital with a seasoned nurse, but new to our facility. She called a doctor at night to report a change in condition and was shocked when his answer was a curt "call the surgeon" and hung up. She then realized that she has called the wrong Dr. So and So. She had called the dermatologist, who had the same last name as the surgeon. 

[Davey Do]

I empathize with your feelings, LPNBC99, have been in similar situations in my career, and can just say they were merely bumps in the road. Nursing is a field filled with many rough rows to hoe.

Once we understand that all emotional responses stem from either a feeling of love or fear, we can see why people react the way they do. The person that probably felt at a loss, hence fear, and channeled that feeling back as blame.

Truism: We always feel better when we have someone to blame for our pain.

I admire and support your actions in this matter and for seeking others' perspectives for future reference.

Keep on keeping on.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Nope, not an idiot at all. The emergency/on call pharmacy was open and taking calls, why would you expect that they couldn't do anything to get you the meds you need? Why even be open and answer the phone at all if they can't do anything until morning? Even if they couldn't get the meds out to you until 0900 you at least were able to order them for delivery ASAP so the resident will at least get their meds, maybe a little late but they will get them.   Whoever answered that phone and chewed you out for calling is 100% in the wrong.  

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

2 hours ago, kbrn2002 said:

Why even be open and answer the phone at all if they can't do anything until morning? 

This!  LTCs are such a disaster 

[DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN]

This is the curse of nursing at night.

I've long since got over apologising for calling people who are on call. They're there for a reason. If they're happy to take the money, they should expect to called.

You tried to do the best for your patient, period. The woman who answered was rude and inappropriate. She's the idiot who needs to apologise to you, not the other way round.  

[J.B.Chan, BSN]

You're not going to get into any sort of trouble and especially for advocating for your patient. If anything is brought up- just tell them you were simply advocating for your patient. 

Good luck to you and hope you don't have to deal with the grouchy night pharmacy tech ever again!

Take care!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

You did nothing wrong.  

I do have to wonder why are there people on call when they can't do anything.  What's the point?

[Scrubs&Sneakers, LPN]

You did the right thing!  Keep holding your head high and continue being a patient advocate. ?  When I began nursing (many moons ago) I used to apologize whenever I contacted anyone on-call, not anymore!  I have been in on-call rotation myself quite a bit and always treated anyone reaching out with courtesy, so it CAN be done.  Remember, when someone is nasty or rude it is a reflection on them, not you.  I bet the oncoming nurse appreciated you reaching out regarding the medications as well, I sure would! 

[Robmoo, ADN, BSN, RN]

On 5/14/2022 at 6:26 AM, LPNBC99 said:

Just looking for a second opinion on this circumstance. I work as an LPN in long term care, 12 hour night shifts 7pm to 7am. Tonight is my first night shift ever as an LPN.

Tonight was our med roll change In which we receive all new medication rolls for the residents for the week. The float nurse does one unit and I do two units.  I did my units, she did hers and her shift ended at 0100hr. When preparing for my 0500 med pass at 0330 ( wanted to see what residents needed meds) I noticed that one resident did not receive a med roll at all (there was nothing in the medication bin). I called a nurse in a different building ( only one nurse per building) to ask what I should do in this situation. She told me that I can call the emergency pharmacy, but they probably won’t answer and the day nurse will most likely need to call them. 

I decide to phone the emergency pharmacy as per the other nurses recommendation and boy oh boy the lady who answered was not happy that I called. She said “why are you calling me about this now, there’s nothing I can do for you, why didn’t you call in the evening when we actually have people in” her tone of voice sounded very angry and she just continued to scold me about calling this late, and made me feel like a complete idiot. At the end of it all she asked me for my name and now I feel like I’m going to get into some kind of trouble. She says that they can’t even send us medications until the late afternoon because there is no one in until 9am.

As of now the resident will not have any morning meds…

I feel so dumb and as if I did something wrong by calling. And at the end of the call I felt really guilt/bad so I apologized and said “I’m sorry for waking you up”. What an idiot I am, sounds very passive aggressive now that I’m looking back on it.

You aren't the a-hole in this situation.  If they hadn't missed that patient's meds then you wouldn't have to call.