what a crappy day....

[kimmicoobug]

I probably shouldn't post this, because I am afraid of the bad comments and such, but I had to talk to discuss my situation. First off, I feel terrible about what I did, and I learned another valuable lesson in the world of nursing....

So here is what happened. I had a patient being discharged with a need for insulin teaching. She was prescribed Lantus and regular insulin sliding scale. Well, guess what I did, guys? I taught her to do sliding scale using Lantus. Here is how this happened. On the discharge orders, the doctor wrote the order for Lantus and then right underneath it, the sliding scale for the regular insulin. I have to admit that all I know about Lantus is that it is a long-lasting insulin and it is newer. I tried to look it up in drug books before teaching, but the hospital had older books without Lantus in it. The nurses were pressuring me to hurry and discharge her, and I didn't exactly have the friendliest charge. My med nurse just wanted nothing to do with me. I figured that was OK, since it couldn't be that hard to read discharge instructions from a piece of paper. Well, I figured the doctor had ordered the sliding scale for some reason for Lantus and left it at that. I didn't question it and as a result, I misinterpreted the order and ultimately misinformed the patient.

For this act, I was talked to by an instructor and I am in the process of being written up. I feel like crap. I had been feeling so good all quarter since things just really seemed to click for me this year, but that is gone. I have no confidence anymore and am really questoning if I should continue this program. This woman could have been really hurt by my actions. I am only in clinical 2 days a week with only two patients. What in the heck! If I were a real nurse working full time that is even more risk for error.

So, when I got home this afternoon, I cried because of my stupidity. I tried to explain the situation to my husband and he doesn't understand. He thinks that it must be the doctor's fault, or the charge's fault for not supervising me. But, I was the last person to talk to the patient, and it is my fault.

Well, this is the end of my tale for now. I learned many invaluable lessons that I regrettably wish I didn't have to learn in this way. Thanks all for reading my post. For all those who are sitting there shaking your head and thinking, "now, that was stupid" no offense taken because I would probably do the same if it didn't happen to me. Well, gotta study for a test and write up my clinical paperwork.

[Tiiki]

I feel for you. It's so stressful being a student, and having staff nurses looking over your shoulders doesn't help. Where was yoru instructor while you were in the process of discharging your patient? Secondly, the floor nurse is still responsible for her patients, even if one is assigned to you, so it is her responsibility to check your work, as well as your instructor.

We have students on the floor all the time, but ultimately, if it is our assignment, we are constantly in contact with them, making sure all is well.

You found your error, hopefully the pt was contacted. Put this down as a learning experience. Next time, don't allow yourself to be rushed, and should you have any doubts or questions, ASK!!

you can do it!!

Cheers! :)

JO

[kittyw]

Something that I am curious about (but we probably won't know the answer & not trying to put any blame on the patient) is did the patient read the prescription labels? I figure the pharmacy is the very last person that can intervene in a situation like this.... it's unfortunate that many people either don't read the label or can't read the label. Reading the label in this instance should have raised some questions and therefore have gotten her some answers.

Just something I was thinking while taking my shower this morn. Carry on.

[RN always, BSN, RN]

If only we were ALL perfect enough not to make mistakes! I commend you for admitting your mistake. It's over now, move on and try to think of all the lives you will be SAVING in the future!

[missionnurse]

Please give yourself a god pep talk! We all need you to continue, and if anyone in my family were to need diabetic teaching now, you could do it!

Why? Because that's one mistake you will probably NEVER make again! You'll probably be the best insulin teacher in the place!!

Don't you dare give up!!

You can do it!!!!!!

Misty :kiss :wink2:

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I understand how rotten you feel. You need to look at this as a learning experience. After I graduated I had a transcription error and got written up. I never got one again as I scrutinized all orders.

Learn and that is good.

renerian

[kimmicoobug]

I think I have definitely learned that I have to be more assertive towards some of those nurses out there who don't like working with students. Especially since in less than a year, I will be working with those nurses. I am realizing that this is a tough field to go into. I also feel rotten because the instructor I got the talking to has never had me in clinical. She had to talk to me because she is the lead and it is her job. She will have me next quarter and I know she will keep her eye on me, and I don't blame her! If I screw up again this year, it will affect my grade. That has me worried. I have a tendency to focus on my failings for awhile which may cause me to screw up further. I try not too, but I find myself obsessing so I don't make the same mistakes. So, if I do screw up again and say, I have a B, it would drop me to a C and that is failing. I have an A in clinical now, so if it dropped my grade, I would still pass with a B. Ok, all, thanks for letting me talk about this. I feel like I am dealing with this incident, but I am already looking to my next clinical and thinking that I can be a safe nurse. And I also plan on making myself be more assertive with the staff, if they don't like it...tough. I will become a pain in the ass and tell my current instructor why (without a whole lot of detail)