Who else sometimes just feels like a bad nurse?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Oncology.

Sometimes looking back on days at work, I just feel like I could have done everything better. Sometimes I make stupid mistakes. Sometimes I feel like I would never want someone like me caring for my family members. Sometimes I read posts here and feel like I pale in comparison to the awesome nurses here.

*sigh*

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Specializes in NICU.

You'd be surprised at the hearts you touch, even when you think you're doing a lousy job :heartbeat.

But, there are plenty of days I feel the same way. I'll go home and think, "Wow, I sure wouldn't do that the same way." I guess it's the only way to learn, sometimes.

I learn a lot from the nurses here, too. I agree with you that there are many awesome nurses on this site :).

Sounds like you had a rough day. I hope tomorrow is a better one. :icon_hug:

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I can totally relate to how you feel...sometimes I come home and just cry because I feel like I mut have been the worst nurse on the planet that day. But think of it this way, it really shows how GOOD of a nurse you are when you realize there are things you can do better and want to improve. Crappy nurses don't care whether or not they could have done things better. I'm sure you're an awesome nurse with a good heart!:redpinkhe

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Specializes in Corrections, Cardiac, Hospice.

awww, I am so sorry to see this. I think we have all beaten ourselves up over something you said or did or didn't say or do. (((HUGS))) Hope tomarrow is a better day.

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I understand how you feel. I think I'm overall a good, but fairly new, nurse. But, somedays I think how I didn't do something I should have or did something I shouldn't have or charted some more or been nicer or started earlier or stayed later or whatever else I can think of.:idea:. Tonight was a night like that. But, what's important is that you kept your pts safe, did the best you could possibly do and learned from any mistakes you made. I think many personality types are prone to this kind of thought process. I'm a perfectionist and WAY too hard on myself. But, I just put everything in perspective knowing I've done the three things I just said and that most of what I trip over isn't even really as big a deal as I make it. Then I come home, go on allnurses.com, vent on someone else's post and go to bed. lol.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.

I'd be willing to bet that for every "bad" thing you did, there were 30 "good" things. It's in some of our natures to second guess and feel badly after the fact - -even if you were professional and took accountability.

I made two "mistakes" today. Nothing major, easily fixed with a narrative note and a confab with the docs. My orientee learned that even the "all-mighty" preceptor isn't perfect.

I don't feel great when I realized that something wasn't right, but you just learn from your mistakes and move on.

Please don't beat yourself up. You are in the most challenging of specialties. I've never seen sicker people.

Blee

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Specializes in Corrections, Cardiac, Hospice.

Oh, I wanted to add. When I worked at the hospital I use to say as long as nobody dies on my shift I have done my job. Now I work at Hospice, ROFL...

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

To the OP, we all have days like that. Feeling like we could have done more, or "I should have missed that problem!" or whatever.

I'me very secure in my knowledge base, and experience, but it took me a lot of years to get there. I'll go toe to toe with any other nurse on this site, however, sometimes my toes get stepped on! We are always learning!! Don't ever be afraid to say "I don't know that answer" so long as you follow it with "but I can look it up for you" or something like that. Then do it.

You'll be fine. The fact that you have a conscience, say's a lot.

Blessings

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

"Some days you're the bug. Some days you're the windshield."

Just remember, this too shall pass...

cheers,

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

What will make you a better nurse (or mechanic, or grocery clerk, or President of the USA) is this: When you realize you did something poorly, or wrong, or missed something, LEARN FROM IT, correct the behavior, and strive to do better in the future.

When you do that, you continue to grow as a nurse. And continued growth is the best any of us can hope for.

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Sometimes looking back on days at work, I just feel like I could have done everything better. Sometimes I make stupid mistakes. Sometimes I feel like I would never want someone like me caring for my family members. Sometimes I read posts here and feel like I pale in comparison to the awesome nurses here.

*sigh*

I totally feel ya. OMG more than you can ever imagine I totally understand and I'm not even a nurse yet! I just graduated and haven't taken my boards and I already feel guilty for everything.

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Specializes in Psych, corrections.

Oh child, how many nites have I gone home and asked myself "What in the world ever, ever made me think I could be a decent nurse when I am SUCH A DUFUS?!!!"

The world of nursing consistently presents us with learning opportunities, does it not? :D

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