Well I need advice, suggestions, etc regarding meds. You I'm still on probationary period with less than a month esperience in a infectious area.
When I was a student, I'm not very good in assessing patient. Now that I'm a a nurse, its as if I dont know how I changed to being meticulous when it comes to assessment. If a patient feels this and that, Its as if instinct is telling me to do this. Assess this and that.... But I think I'm doing the right assessment! So I was able to relay it to my preceptors.
Yesterday, my preceptor asked me if its ok for me to be alone now. Gee! That really shocked me! I told her that I'm confident with what I'm doing but not the medications! I'm good with IVF but not the PO, SC, MC, IV push meds that are already complicated. I know how to give it but I'm really bad at identifying them! I'm only confident with the antibiotic, OTC drugs. You know, the easy to give that is less dangerous (except if the patient has allergy to it).
Any suggestion, violent reaction, ADDED INFO would really help.... Thank you...
...because i had a med error that sent a pt to the ER and ICU. the pt stabilized and is fine now, but im having trouble dealing with the emotional aftermath and the future confidence of my career.
NancyNurse brings up a good point. Our team has a pharmacist too, lots of times they are on the floor and ready for any questions you may have. I remember more than one time I had to call them to have them save my butt when I had no idea about how to give a drug (and this particular drug wasn't listed on my PDA). Pharmacists are wonderful resources.
augwest -- I know that I usually come in about 1/2 an hour early beforehand to look up the folks that I am going to be caring for that day, and also this usually gives me time to help to prepare for any weird meds that I might have to give. And believe you me, there are some weird ones out there. What do you do for prep?
I don't always know my assignment early enough to come in early and look them up. Plus, I take that fifteen minute window before the clock strikes three to do some deep breathing, mental preparation, and camaraderie building with my coworkers, before I have to hit the floor and be Supernurse for the next eight hours.
Virgo_RN, BSN, RN
3,543 Posts
I use Davis too, updated for 2007.