How do you cope when making a mistake?

Geslina, BSN, RN · May 19, 2013

I cry. Very pitifully. I try to do this in the bathroom, so no one sees me, then for the rest of the shift just say my allergies are bothering me.

Geslina, BSN, RN · May 19, 2013

But seriously - learn from them. If you have to explain yourself to a supervisor, make sure you are humble, and ask if you don't know how things could have been done differently. Verbalize your understanding of this different approach. Once I remember being reprimanded for writing up the times of an order for antibiotics wrong. I took every 8 hours to mean three times a day as in our TID protocol times - 9am, 1pm, and 5pm. I was new, everything is confusing, you have so much going on...problem was, no one caught it for almost a week (not saying much for the more "experienced" nurses among us) meaning we were overloading this woman with way too much meds in a short period, and giving her nothing all thru the evening and hours of sleep. Being new, there is a certain leeway I was given, but this was still a serious mistake. I was upset, of course, but my superiors were nice about it, sharing times when they were new nurses and had done stupid things - we have ALL been there. So, when you make a mistake, don't sweat it. Understand what you did, and why you should not have, and learn from it. I can promise you that you will not make the same mistake twice - and if you do, maybe nursing is not the career for you! I know that I am more likely to make mistakes if I am overstressed, rushing around, letting every little thing get to me - and not thinking clearly. I have to take the time to relax, to take a deep breath, to remind myself that it will all get done, and to take it easy. Know when you are weak, and always ALWAYS double, triple check everything you do - especially when it comes to meds!

nrsang97, BSN, RN · May 20, 2013

I admit it, learn from it, and don't do it again.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · May 20, 2013

I panic.

I immediately determine the ramifications of my mistake.

Report it.

Write it up.

Briefly wallow in misery.

Then carry on.

amygarside · May 20, 2013

I admit it, learn from it, and don't do it again.

same here and i also apologize if I have the chance

flyerdog · May 21, 2013

yes, learn from it, why it happened, and how it can be prevented in the future. Meanwhile keep an eye out for passive/aggressive co-workers who are looking for the opportunity to discredit you any chance they get...unfortunatley there is a lot of that in our profession

amygarside · May 21, 2013

yes, learn from it, why it happened, and how it can be prevented in the future. Meanwhile keep an eye out for passive/aggressive co-workers who are looking for the opportunity to discredit you any chance they get...unfortunatley there is a lot of that in our profession

i agree.yes there are a lot of co nurses who like to bully other nurses..