Has anyone made BASIC skill errors that made them feel incompetent?

nursesuzie01 · Jan 31, 2012

I am not an experienced nurse, but a new nurse like yourself. What I have to say is this:

Where is the mentoring and encouragement that experienced nurses ought to be giving us? Don't get me wrong, there are some that do encourage us, but where I worked they were few and far between. It's like they completely forget what it is like to be new. We are new and we are going to make mistakes. Most of the things from nursing school were either done once or only read about. Instead of acting so suprised when when we tell them we've never done something or maybey only once, mabey they should train us. If we ask to see something again, show us! That's what the orientation period is for. So. . .it's going to take us time to learn and make it second nature. I wish I could take my own advice though. I am going through the same things your are. Just wish where I started working they would have been more positive and willing to work more with me. However, in the longer term future we can remember these feelings and channel them into our learning and being positive with new nurses when we are the experienced ones. Hang in there.

Aurora77 · Feb 1, 2012

Everyone has done something like that. If they say they haven't, they're lying.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2012

Everyone has done something like that. If they say they haven't, they're lying.[/quote
Agree totally with the above. I'd also add that this time next week your mistake will be less painful. Next month even less. Next year nobody will remember it but you. Go easy on yourself.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Feb 1, 2012

Oh yes!!!! I have mad some dumb basic nursing mistakes! It happens.

gorjos · Feb 1, 2012

Give yourself a break. You mentioned the word hectic; that's when I have made most of my errors. During times of chaos with stuff flying at you from all directions you are vulnerable to that kind of thing. Too bad nurses have to be human, but we are.

esunada · Feb 1, 2012

Yes, I'm pretty sure everyone has done some pretty stupid things. Its when you do the same stupid things more than a couple times within a short period of time that it bdcomes a problem. Or maybe if you do something really dangerous like give alll the meds in one shift for one person to another person because you didn't check their name or something like that.

I agree that experienced nurses need to be more supportive and encouraging but at the same time don't we remember more if they go spastic on us? I think the best preceptor challenges you to think critically, encourages you to learn new skills and shows you, but might be like a chastising mom at times when we've done stupid things but make it known thats how we learn --- ultimately supporting you. Meh, just talking out of my orifice.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2012

I am not an experienced nurse, but a new nurse like yourself. What I have to say is this:
Where is the mentoring and encouragement that experienced nurses ought to be giving us? Don't get me wrong, there are some that do encourage us, but where I worked they were few and far between. It's like they completely forget what it is like to be new. We are new and we are going to make mistakes. Most of the things from nursing school were either done once or only read about. Instead of acting so suprised when when we tell them we've never done something or maybey only once, mabey they should train us. If we ask to see something again, show us! That's what the orientation period is for. So. . .it's going to take us time to learn and make it second nature. I wish I could take my own advice though. I am going through the same things your are. Just wish where I started working they would have been more positive and willing to work more with me. However, in the longer term future we can remember these feelings and channel them into our learning and being positive with new nurses when we are the experienced ones. Hang in there.

I didn't read that there was no encouragement or nasty behavior toward the OP from a more experienced nurse..I think the OP was beating herself up.

OP: Yes, we all have stupid brain farts. The other day I had a difficult time getting a pump to run concurrently. Do you think I could figure it out? NO! It was just a bad day where I wasn't on my game. I have also forgotten to do things only to get in my car and call a nurse to tell her what I forgot. It happens and it will continue to happen. We aren't perfect. :)

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2012

Oh my stuff like that happens. Don't beat yourself up over it OP. I was new in the ICU and had to change Art line tubing. I ended up piercing the flush bag and wondered why I was getting wet. I didn't realize it until I took the bag down. I can't tell you the number of times I have spiked and IV to have the spike pierce the bag and made a huge mess in the mean time.

I have gotten mannitol on myself too many times to count as well when we have someone with a elevated ICP.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Feb 1, 2012

It happens. If every nurse who made a mistake quit nursing, well, there'd be no nurses.

Forgive yourself and move on. Really!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 1, 2012

Even experienced nurses sometimes come in and play the game like they've left their heads back in the locker room! One of my more memorable nursing 'fails' occurred when I hooked up an IVPB, programmed the pump to run in the ABX at 200 ml/hr, and then forgot to undo the roller clamp. A few hours later---after I'd gone home for the night---the noc shift nurse went to hang the next dose, and there was my bag of Ancef, still full, while the LR was running in at 200 ml/hr. Thank God the patient was a healthy post-op who had no cardiac issues, or this could have been quite the disaster.

Boy, did I hear from the NM about that one the next morning......I almost got written up for this bone-headed move, but she decided she would "think about it" and never did get around to the actual paperwork. Of course, you can bet I beat myself up for days afterwards, but I never made that same mistake again. :)

JeneraterRN · Feb 1, 2012

Oh yes, I certainly have. Also, if I was going to goof, it was usually in front of someone important. My first NG insertion inspired this:https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nervous-nurses-guide-616231.html

You'll do fine, good luck.