Help I am a new grad nurse just out of school working with my IP. I started working in a new grad program and my second day on the floor I made a major medication error. I gave medications to the wrong patient. I realized this when she questioned all the medications she was taking and what they were for after she had taken them, I completely froze told her I had to go get something and notified my preceptor. I was completely horrified I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest. I only had two patients that day it wasn't like I was strapped for time I was just stupid for not being more careful.
I pretty much started to cry and I wanted to quit nursing right then and there. I have never made a medication error in my life not even in school. My friends were often the ones to make mistakes not me. My confidence is completely shot. Everything has gone so well for me. My first day was great and then this happened. I don't know what to do I feel like quitting and not showing my face in that hospital again. I am crying as I write this just thinking about my mistake. My preceptor was really nice to me as well as everyone on the floor. Fortunatley the patient was stable and the medication that I gave her did not cause any side effects. I keep thinking to myself what if it was a patient who had allergies to this medication or what if I could have killed that patient. I never thought twice about telling someone what I did. I could never live with myself if I didn't. But I am ready to give up. I am even asking myself why I want to be a nurse maybe I will not make a good nurse. I feel like the next time I work everyone will be watching me waiting for me to make amother mistake. How can I stop thinking about this?
Rosey