Dumbest thing a student/newbie ever said/did?

widi96 · Mar 26, 2008

I don't know how dumb this was, but I think it might be informative for you. If you hear about PE (Pulmonary Embolus) - a lot of people will explain it as a 'blood clot in the lungs'. It is NOT. It is a blood clot in the vasculature to the lungs.

I learned this one when I was in school and my dad had been coughing up blood for several days - took him in to have a Bronchoscopy and he had blood clots and bleeding in his lungs. While this was not a good situation (although completely resolved and fine now), it is not nearly as serious as a PE.

jessiern, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2008

A patient had a leaky foley cath on the previous shift, because she had a very large BM (I don't know if it is common, but this patient's cath leaks every time she has a BM) Night nurse reported that the cath was leaking earlier, but was fine now, so the student could watch for leaking. Student charted every 2 hours that day "NO LOC noted"...In her mind "no leakage of cath noted"

mauxtav8r · Mar 26, 2008

Not eat breakfast before clinicals. (think, downward spiral to very hard linoleum).

She was a very bright girl and caught on fast not to do that again.

NursKris82 · Mar 26, 2008

Student charted every 2 hours that day "NO LOC noted"...In her mind "no leakage of cath noted"

Definitely not an approved abbreviation! :nono:

Agnus · Mar 26, 2008

When I was in school a classmate shared with me that she had a pt who was an amputee. She asked, "where is your other slipper."

As an RN I had a pt die. Later someone told me. "Your pt's family is here." They were standing outside the door of the deceased. I proceeded to offer my condolences before asking who the patient was. Fortunately they were able to laugh at it. Phew!

Always ask "who are you here to see, or who are you inquiring about." Never ever accept the reply "my mother." Ask "what is your mother's name."

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2008

I asked a student one day to put a new ER patient into a gown and she told me that was "tech" work and she was here to learn what nurses do, and not do scut work. THAT went over well. Now that you mention it, I never saw her in the ER again, humm, wonder why? :nono:

megananne7 · Mar 26, 2008

I'm a new RN (was an LPN for a year prior to that, tho), so I definitely remember what it's like to be a new nurse and a student. So, let me just ease your mind by telling you ... you're a STUDENT!!! You're supposed to learn... you'll probably make mistakes, not catch things as fast as an experienced nurse. Don't let any nurses tell you that you're stupid/dumb, or that you won't cut it as a nurse. You are there to LEARN!!

nurseklw72 · Mar 26, 2008

We had a senior nursing student on our unit one day. Her patient had meds due at 9 am and 5 pm. After passing her 9 am meds, she asks, "what do we do now, just sit around until 5?" :uhoh3: She was informed that there are a number of things to be done like assessments, answering call lights, helping out with baths, taking off orders, ambulating patients, vital signs, etc.

Agnus · Mar 26, 2008

I mention this because it happens too frequently and it is always and RN not a student. I am receiving report (we work 12 hour shifts) the off going nurse reports pt has not voided since 4 hours before her shift started (i.e. 16 hours)

I inquire what they have done to address this. NOTHING.

Please, understand not voiding for several hours let alone 16 hours is not something you may just let slip by. You must address it.

Agnus · Mar 26, 2008

let me clarify my last post. If they have no urine out for several hours and have a foley you must address. If no foley and they have not voided for 8 hours you must address it. With a foley you should see at least 30 ml per hour. Unless it is understood this pt is in renal failure or actively dying this is not an issue to ignore.

FlyingScot, RN · Mar 26, 2008

Hooked a FOLEY CATHETER instead of the NG to continuous suction.:uhoh21: