Have you made a mistake as s nurse?

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Hello fellow nurses! Have you made an error that may have been life threatening? I work in LTC and did not realize a patient did not have his bipap on at night. By morning it was too late, I found him dusky and he passrd away minutes later. He had his o2 on all night, but this was my fault. I don't know how to cope with this. I don't feel worthy of being a nurse now.

Anyone have any stories or ways to cope? Please share!

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Im so sorry this happened to you. I cant offer any advice on your situation but just wanted to offer some support so sending a prayer and kind thoughts your way.

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Hello fellow nurses! Have you made an error that may have been life threatening? I work in LTC and did not realize a patient did not have his bipap on at night. By morning it was too late, I found him dusky and he passrd away minutes later. He had his o2 on all night, but this was my fault. I don't know how to cope with this. I don't feel worthy of being a nurse now.

Anyone have any stories or ways to cope? Please share!

Was he capable of removing it himself? If so, had it been documented that he would do so.

Also, I have to ask...how often was he checked on and by whom?

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Hi OP. in 1991, I had just passed my LPN boards and got a job on a busyness surg unit. I was working 3 to 11pm and 1 of my ptsc/o insomnia. She asked me to call the MD and I did. He gave me an order for Ambien. I gave her the med and an hour later we were coding her. She survived but spent a few days in ICU.

I forgot to mention that the pt had a history of COPD. I was mortified but learned that night to make sure I gave adequate info to any MD when calling them for any problems or needs.

Anne, RNC

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He was checked on throughout the night by me, as well as the nurse assistants. His color was normal and he was responding well. Then I went in to check on him in the morning and it was too late. This patient was on hospice but it doesn't put my mind at ease any. I didn't even realize he didn't have the bipap on until the next day, as it had been on my mind ever since. I was working a floor I hardly ever work, I have learned from this huge mistake and will pay very close attention from now on. I just feel guilty and incompetent.

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You said you checked on him, then how did you not know he didn't have his Bipap on? Did you not know he was supposed to have it on? I would contact your malpractice carrier just in case.

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I am so sorry this happened to you.... I agree with xoemmylouox. I would contact your malpractice carrier and get further counseling from them if I were in your shoes.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Please contact your malpractice carrier

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