I'm new to nursing (graduated in May and passed NCLEX in June) and I work in the ICU. Here's the thing, I feel sooo stupid everyday! I was taking care of a patient the other day and his BP and HR weren't stable - they would go way up and then come back down to (his) normal and back up - all day. Only I didn't recognize this - my preceptor had to explain it to me....and it's not just that, I just feel like I'm always screwing up...
Anyway, is this normal or should I give it up now. I mean shouldn't I have learned some of this stuff in school? Please help!
I'm new to nursing (graduated in May and passed NCLEX in June) and I work in the ICU. Here's the thing, I feel sooo stupid everyday! I was taking care of a patient the other day and his BP and HR weren't stable - they would go way up and then come back down to (his) normal and back up - all day. Only I didn't recognize this - my preceptor had to explain it to me....and it's not just that, I just feel like I'm always screwing up...
Anyway, is this normal or should I give it up now. I mean shouldn't I have learned some of this stuff in school? Please help!
Thanks!
Sara
As a new grad in CCU I learned 2 things very quickly. There are a lot of right ways to be a nurse. And it takes more than 2 hands and 1 brain to care for critically ill paitients. Hang in there. Ask all the questions you need. Find out who the nurse geeks are on your unit, we love to teach!
I also feel incredibly stupid. I have worked in the ICU since last year as a student nurse. I am able to pass meds and do almost complete patient care under the supervision of an RN. I am beating myself up over giving an antibiotic at the wrong time. It was a IVPB and I relized and stopped it after only 1/2 had infused. I wouldn't have been concerned, but this med was only ordered every 24 hrs. I told my RN and she said that it was not a big deal. I charted it, so I feel as if I did the right thing. When we went to report to the next nurse, I asked her if we should tell her. She said she would, but never did. Am I just beating myself up over nothing?
Look, pal. The important thing that shines right thru your post to me is that you caught your own mistake. WOW!
A somewhat less important--but still important--thing is that you OWN your mistake. Very Good.
Now, was the ABX a toxic med (i.e. Vanco) that would involve drug levels being drawn, renal toxicity? Or maybe it was (for instance) Rocephin that has low risk to the pt.
If I were your preceptor, I'd give you this assignment, in three parts:
1. Look up and learn and then come back to me, explaining what the risks to the Pt were of the ABx you gave early.
2. List some of the other meds we give as PiggyBacks that could harm the Pt if given early.
3. Tell me how you're NOT GOING TO LET THIS MISTAKE ruin your enthusiasm for CriticalCare Nursing. Which (to me) is one of the greatest jobs anybody can have and you're already in the door so don't blow it over one simple mistake that anybody (and therefore almost everybody-right?) can/has/will make.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it!!! And quit beating your self up.
Look, pal. The important thing that shines right thru your post to me is that you caught your own mistake. WOW!
A somewhat less important--but still important--thing is that you OWN your mistake. Very Good.
Now, was the ABX a toxic med (i.e. Vanco) that would involve drug levels being drawn, renal toxicity? Or maybe it was (for instance) Rocephin that has low risk to the pt.
If I were your preceptor, I'd give you this assignment, in three parts:
1. Look up and learn and then come back to me, explaining what the risks to the Pt were of the ABx you gave early.
2. List some of the other meds we give as PiggyBacks that could harm the Pt if given early.
3. Tell me how you're NOT GOING TO LET THIS MISTAKE ruin your enthusiasm for CriticalCare Nursing. Which (to me) is one of the greatest jobs anybody can have and you're already in the door so don't blow it over one simple mistake that anybody (and therefore almost everybody-right?) can/has/will make.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it!!! And quit beating your self up.
Yer Ol' Papaw John
PS: Yeah, that shoulda been passed on in report.
PJ
Thanks. I did look up the drug and toxicity as soon as I realized this mistake. It also was not a drug that pre or post levels had to be drawn. The biggest side effect was bradycardia and his condition was stable. ie no conditions to keep a watch over because of this drug.
I do love the ICU and I wouldn't change my unit for the world. I was just questioning my ability after this mess up. Thanks for the encouragement.
TamaraRN
11 Posts
As a new grad in CCU I learned 2 things very quickly. There are a lot of right ways to be a nurse. And it takes more than 2 hands and 1 brain to care for critically ill paitients. Hang in there. Ask all the questions you need. Find out who the nurse geeks are on your unit, we love to teach!