I don't think I am caught up for nursing. med error

[Fireflynurse]

Hi after a month of working in this assist living facility, I felt that I don't have what it takes to be a nurse. Particularly when it comes to medication. My tough love supervisor called me and told me that I have two med errors already. 1st one when I withheld 5 unit of hemolog for a type 2 patient when she had AC 70. It was a reasonable decision when I was trained at a skilled care nursing facility but apparently , it is wrong for this assist living facility. Earlier, this supervisor called me at home and told me that I was wrong to withheld coumdian last night because the resident's INR was in line. Only PT was high. I told her that I wasn't sure when the DON was the only person there so I asked her and the DON said to withheld it so I did. my supervisor told me again that it is a med error and if I am not sure call her anytime or call the doctor anytime. I felt bad to call her at her day off and specially she was out doing resident assessment in hospital in her free time for this place. She told me that my license can get in trouble if I keep making these kind of decision.

It has only been a month, I already have 2 med errors in her eyes. I am so confused about doing what is the best for the residents, who to listen and if I should just blindly do everything and not question about it. I don't think that I have what it takes to be a nurse. I love to work with elderly and even some scream a lot, I still do. but I just don't have what it takes with the medication.

[MedChica]

I meant, I would allow the a/ox4 pt self administer while I drew up the glucagon. I just got off work and killing time in the office.

Dont feel bad, OP. Plenty wouldve questioned the order. Plenty wouldve held, too.

[Fireflynurse]

Thank you :)

Congrats on using your nursing judgement! Please don't be concerned about "bothering" your supervisor, DON, OR the doctor when you feel that something should be held OR if you question an order. 99% of nursing education is learning on the job. Most supervisors and some doctors enjoy giving a little education in response to a question.

As to giving routine insulin dosage to a client with a blood glucose reading on the low side----if I don't have parameters written with the insulin order, I'll recheck glucose mid-meal or after the meal and will give the insulin if the numbers improve. THEN I will ask for parameters during business hours...or will leave a message with the powers that be voicing my concern over the client, and will include a weeks worth of glucose readings so the MD can decide if an altered dose is appropriate. But if you have an immediate concern PLEASE don't hesitate to text your boss or call the MD.

[jcourtnay]

Nurses tend to belittle newer nurses...just pay attention and communicate!

[rachel100639]

Most assisted living facilities do not do parameters.

[rachel100639]

"Nurses tend to belittle newer nurses." This is the understatement of the Century. Your last statement to jcourtnay minimizes the fact that she is being treated like crap.

[PACU.LVN]

You have so many options out there, don't give up on nursing, try a different niche, go get Your IV CERT and apply for a surgery center or blood bank, do what makes you feel happy and comfortable, not nervous and stressed out... Best of luck!