Help made a mistake during clinical!!!

[NoeIssa]

Hello, Im upset because I made a mistake during clinical. I had two patients in the same room and one patient was NPO and the other was on solid foods. During the day the CNA and the nurse told me to give water to a patient because they had to have a test done so have them drink water, I accidentally gave the water to the NPO patient (who was NPO due to pacreatitis (pain, N&V). We called the doctor and he said its fine because she had been on clear liquid diet a few hours earlier. But I made a mistake because I didn't double check and got confused and gave the water to my other patient. This was my first time having two patients so I was really nervous. I feel so bumbed out like Im not going to be a good nurse. I did learn from this experience to triple check everything and look it up myself etc. Anyone else make mistakes during clinical while in school or when you were in school? Also I was so nervous because my clinical instructor is really strict. Help! How to I regain my confidence and not make these types of mistakes when things get hectic?

[spider11]

Don't beat yourself up. It was water. No one died. Learn from it and move on.

[RNMeg]

One of my classmates was giving an IM injection, and the RN was stabilizing the muscle for her..and she stabbed the RN by accident. If she's still in the program after a mistake like that, I don't think you have anything to worry about Learn from it and move on

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

Even seasoned nurses can screw up on NPO occasionally. It's not the end of the world.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Mistakes happen, the important thing is to learn from it and move on. Yes it will make you more cautious but I would say that is a good thing. You'll be surprised on how you act when things get busy. I actually remember more the busier I am. When things are quiet I forget more

[CrazedStudent]

You made a mistake. You recognized it, owned up to it and contacted the doctor. You're human.

Thankfully, it worked out!

Be a little kinder to yourself. :)

[Jolie, BSN]

Please make an appointment today to discuss this error with your instructor.

S/he can help you to form a plan of action to prevent future mistakes, as well as advise you on the consequences of your error. You are probably imagining discipline far in excess of what your program will impose, which is making you even more stressed.

Take care.

[Muttlover]

Unfortunately, I just spent 4 days in the hospital for a diverticulitus (sp?) tear. Not pleasant. However, a great way to lose those extra pounds for before the summer:)

Please don't beat yourself up. I was either on a clear, liquid diet, or quite honestly, NPO for 2 of the 4 days.

One thing I couldn't figure out, my water pitcher was refilled a few times. Because I knew what "NPO" means, I didn't drink the water, but what about the patient that drinks away and doesn't know?

It probably happens more than we realize. Good luck - you sound like a caring, sweet person. We ALL get nervous sometimes!

[Sarcolemma]

no big deal......giving someone water is fine....... my 2 biggest mistakes:

-hanging/bolusing a whole bottle of integrillin instead of albumin (as a new ICU RN)

-as a student nurse:

during clinicals i was in a room with my preceptor and a doctor - he told me to give "five of cardizem" to a tachy patient. so i gave 5 ml...25mg. Patient was fine, thankfully. i thought i was dead meat though.

the key is to be honest when you make mistakes. don't try to cover it up.

you'll make another mistake in your nursing career. and it will be much worse than giving someone water, i promise.

anyone who says they haven't made a mistake that could have potentially harmed a patient is lying through their teeth, or hasn't been nursing very long. the trick is how you handle it afterwards.