help... making mistakes

[seaglass123]

I am new to nursing and started about 5 mths ago in pediatrics. I love the work but we are understaffed which seems to be the norm most places. I also had some personal issues at the time of my orientation..unexpected divorce..lots of stress. The problem is I have made to med errors.. the pt. was fine, it was the right med and pt. but wrong time or route. I told the docs and my charge nurse, etc. I have been very careful to double or triple check everything and have not had anymore med errors. Yesterday I had a new admit who was admitted by another nurse to help out since i had a few admits on my shift. She told me on her report that he was on fluids so I had that written on my paper but no orders were in yet. I failed to notice that he was not written for fluids when the orders came in and kept him on for my shift. He was fine since he was not drinking anything anyway but in a different circumstance it could have been very harmful as could the med errors above.

My question.... am I an incompetent nurse and should get out before I hurt someone or should I keep at it? I know part of the problem is the understaffing on our unit which is difficult for even the experienced nurses. That is supposed to be improving in the next couple months. Also, I am hoping to feel less stressed with more experience and with moving on from my divorce. It has just gotten to the point that I can't sleep because of worrying about all of this and I am so afraid that I will make a worse mistake. But I love my job and really want to do well. Please give your honest opinions or experiences you have had. Thanks

[Up2nogood RN, RN]

Being a newer grad you will make mistakes no matter how good the ratios are. It's just part of the learning process. You are in no way incompetent, you've kept your pts safe but made a few minor errors-you are human so don't beat yourself up.

P.S. I hear it gets easier as time goes on :hgu:

[Jildaelaine]

Hey, I have been an RN for 14 years and it does get better. Stick with it. It will help you grow as a person and you will be stronger and more confident for it. We all make those mistakes. I am always thrilled when my shift is over and I didn't kill anyone!!ha Jil

[masaya]

Hi,you said you love your job,same way i do.It was not your fault to have less staff.I too do commit mistakes but on close watch and observation,why not ask your supervisor for a helping hand.Everyone do have their own task to do but then we can make our work done well no matter what if can have a good teamwork.Stay strong with courage.You are not alone with the patient care.Thanks.

[faetastic]

Hi there.

I am also a new nurse and have made a few mistakes here and there, but it's all a part of the learning curve. You are making sure to cover your tracks and admit when something has gone wrong and from what I've learned so far, that's the most important thing.

I have also learned that I don't need to be the fastest nurse and that slowing down and doing things on my own schedule is what works best for me. If I go too fast, I get clumsy and as time goes on my speed will surely improve and things will become more natural.

Don't beat yourself up. I've seen nurses of all types and experience make mistakes. :)

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

mistakes happen, but you sound like you're trying to stay on top of em. keep vigilant, and know that you do the best you can. I find that talking to myself earns me some teasing, but it's the best check that I can do to keep myself safe. good luck!

[stoli]

I believe it does get easier as time goes on. I love my job too, but have days where I left work and felt

Incompetent, unorganized and questioning my choice of career, but I get over it and read up on things I'm not all that familiar with and ask questions.

Hang in there.