Hate Feeling Incompetent

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

I had one of those days today. It wasn't really horrible but things were just not going my way. This is at a radiology center.

I missed half of my IV starts.

Unsuccessful foley cath. And patient complaint to go along with it. I'm the only nurse so I didn't have any extra hands and eyes like when I'm doing bedside nursing. I could NOT find her urethra, I know it is there but no gold.

Had to call EMS for a lethargic patient to top it off.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

Well the comforting thing is that every one of us (even if they don't admit it) feels that way at times. AND... we all hate it too.

But the nice thing is that tomorrow is a new day. I hope it gets better sooner rather than later, but it will get better.\

HUGS! :yes:

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I have had those days...those weeks. I once drove around looking at empty buildings for my doggie/pet daycare. I might have done it too...if the economy didn't tank.

((HUGS))

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Take care of yourself and hopefully the next day will be better. Nursing is humbling.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Thanks! My coworkers are so nice and helpful so it is really me just beating myself up. I really enjoy this job.

One of the mammo techs just gave me a chocolate bar....that always helps.

I only work here once a week so yes tomorrow will be lovely!

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Oh.. Lil'mama.. you are far from incompetent.

Sounds like you need additional training with IV starts. 50/50 is not good enough.

The foley is another issue.... who knows... her urethra could have been hidden up into the lady parts.

You called EMS for a lethargic patient? Tell me more.

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I think every nurse have one of those days. I know I sure have !!!! Don't let it get you down.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.
Oh.. Lil'mama.. you are far from incompetent.

Sounds like you need additional training with IV starts. 50/50 is not good enough.

The foley is another issue.... who knows... her urethra could have been hidden up into the lady parts.

You called EMS for a lethargic patient? Tell me more.

I've started more IVs here (6 months) than I've started in my entire 6yrs as a nurse. Not that I don't have anything else to learn regarding IVs...I feel I mostly had an off day because I've vastly improved since I began here. Going by feel more than sight has opened up a whole new world.

This is an outpatient radiology center. One of the technicians came upon the patient stumbling out of the bathroom. She was weak, unable to stay awake for more than about 8 seconds before she was snoring.

Long story short, I suspect she had some degree of over sedation from her home medications. I called EMS because there isn't anything else I can do. She could not complete her test and was unsafe to drive home.

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