Today my manager called me to inform me that I had made a careless mistake last night on my shift as a CNA. It was not a mistake that involved patient care, but a mistake that caused some expense to the organization due to equipment. This is my second major mistake as a CNA in three years. The first one happened earlier this year and could have cost me $5,000 due to carrying a patient's possession home in my pocket. Thankfully I called right away when I realized it and the possession was not damaged. But I narrowly avoided a write-up.
Although neither of these mistakes endangered patients, when they happened I felt crushed. Both were such careless mistakes, probably because I was out of routine or trying to hurry. It makes me wonder whether or not I should be responsible for patients and makes me doubt my own abilities in nursing.
I feel like in this job, mistakes are so much more risky because they involve people's lives. I am afraid one day I will forget something or get too comfortable and careless. How do you handle making a mistake in nursing? How do you prevent mistakes from happening?
I just started a new job two weeks ago and last night completely forgot to change and gown a patient before he went to sleep - I feel like the Biggest Loser!! Holy cow. I'm struggling to establish a routine and have a few needy patients that keep me running for the tiniest of things and the one that needed the most real care, I forgot all about him! Ugggggghhh. I will get over it, I will move on, I will learn from it, but I'm still beating myself up over it.
Hmmm mistakes lets see. These are kinda stupid really. Just the other day, I forgot to pass out clothing protecters durring a meal time. Resident became very dirty with gravy and potatoes spilled down his shirt. Daughter walks in and see's him at the table. She is upset and states she is going to report the incident. Oh well. I was in a hurry and forgot to pass them out! lol! Another one. Forgot to make a few beds in the morning oneday and the floor nurse finds me and gives me a verbal lashing. I havent made serious, serious mistakes but I know oneday I will.
OK FIRST OFF TO ERROR IS HUMAN!!! Everyone makes mistakes all we can do is learn from them. As for making a mistake when it counts don't think about that. It all comes flying back at you. Like I told my nurse (new grad) take a deep breath and make sure you show the confidence in what you do. You are doing this for a reason. Remember that reason. And Smile!!!
Aspiretobe
9 Posts
I just started a new job two weeks ago and last night completely forgot to change and gown a patient before he went to sleep - I feel like the Biggest Loser!! Holy cow. I'm struggling to establish a routine and have a few needy patients that keep me running for the tiniest of things and the one that needed the most real care, I forgot all about him! Ugggggghhh. I will get over it, I will move on, I will learn from it, but I'm still beating myself up over it.