First Med error

imanedrn · Apr 2, 2008

I made mine yesterday. I felt and do still feel like big dumbo:no: I cannot believe that I did that I was in a hurry and completely forgot to do my last and most important check the ID BAND . My preceptor said it showed alot of integrity to comeout and admit what I did and how it happened. I spoke to the doctor who ripped me a new one, the family :bowingpur, and my manager . I knew it was wrong and I wasn't trying to hide it but the doctor really made me want to climb under a rock. But the patient was actually fine. Maybe this ain't for me.

Don't doubt yourself over one mistake! Thank goodness I work in a hospital with an electronic medication system. I scan the med and the pt's armband. If the med doesn't belong to the pt, the system will tell me! If the dose is wrong, the system will tell me!

There are plenty of experienced nurses who will tell you they've made med errors. Thankfully, most of them are NOT harmful. This is no reason to doubt your career choice though!

eccentricRN · Apr 3, 2008

I made mine yesterday. I felt and do still feel like big dumbo:no: I cannot believe that I did that I was in a hurry and completely forgot to do my last and most important check the ID BAND . My preceptor said it showed alot of integrity to comeout and admit what I did and how it happened. I spoke to the doctor who ripped me a new one, the family :bowingpur, and my manager . I knew it was wrong and I wasn't trying to hide it but the doctor really made me want to climb under a rock. But the patient was actually fine. Maybe this ain't for me.

Learn from it & move on... I did the same thing & felt OH SO DUMB & BAD... only difference is the doc I called was very calm & nice... A more seasoned nurse told me, mistakes happen & the meds that can really hurt someone usually require a 2nd nurse to double check or witness.... your pt was fine, so lesson learned... you'll beat yourself up for awhile & then you realize you become more vigilant & slow down even if you're busy & behind & double check yourself as you give meds...I know I did... hang in there you're not the first nor the last to make a mistake!!

piasugarjersey · Apr 4, 2008

Wow Emmy,

Look at all the responses. I have been in nursing for over 30 years. I still remember my first med error, as well as a few more over the years.

I aslo recall the recurerent nightmare that I had fallen asleep while working nights only to wake at 6AM to realize that I hadn't givein any meds.

Yes, your first year is so hard, and you need support from a more experience mentor to help you through. Please don't throw the baby out with the wash water. You have worked hard to get your RN and don't let early disappointments distroy your hopes and dreams.

If you are not being supported, find and employer who will support you. If you have a mentor, you should not be fearful to share your prroblems and anxietys. You should be able to review problems you have that are stressful and discuss ways to manage your responses professionally, as well as spychologically.

Everyone makes mistakes! Many are "system" related, sometimes our brain just malfunctions, sometimes we do need to look at our practice and think how toimprove or work smarter .

Hang in there kid. This is one of the toughest jobs there is, but it is also one of the greatest. You are touching lives in a special way every day. :nurse:

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