Made a mistake last night.

[ejmonroe]

I work as a tech on an orthopedic unit of a hospital. I am also working on pre-reqs for nursing school. Last night I had 15 demanding patients to take care of (the other tech scheduled had called in sick). I had nasty nurses barking orders at me, three incontinent patients, call lights ringing, people wanting to be taken to the bathroom....you know the scenario. No report was given when I came onto the floor. I accidently gave apple juice to an NPO (who was also on contact precautions). I had given him a quarter cup before I saw the sign on the door. I told the nurse and received a verbal lashing...she also made sure that as a pre-nursing student I realized what a huge mistake this was. She then proceeded to tell me that the poor guy was on a feeding tube, has diabetes and aspriation pneumonia and is a DNR. I am so upset. There is no excuse for giving an NPO a drink. I take full responsibility for that. But, I got no report from her when I came onto the floor. I work very hard and I love my patients. I enjoy them and their families. I take extra time and give extra attention to my dementia patients who are ignored on my unit. I am a good person and would never knowingly hurt someone.

I plan to speak to the unit manager today about what happened. I am so upset. Any advise?

[sziq1]

I understand being down on yourself but just take it as a learning exp. I once took a pressure on a pt that had arm precations and I felt horrible. But I remember to look every for a sign or an arm band indicating whether the pt has an arm I am not supposed to use. Long story short, use it as a learning exp. to be a better CNA. Remember to always look for that sign on the door or above the bed for things like NPO or arm precautions.

[prmenrs, RN]

First of all in the scheme of mistakes this is a very small one. We are not perfect. That's the main reason they call it practicing medicine. You'll make a great nurse but your going to go crazy if you allow a mistake like this to plague you. Let's talk big mistakes taking out the wrong kidney, amputating the wrong limb, hanging blood on the wrong patient. All of us have made mistakes and don't let anyone fool a good shift is when all your patients are alive when you leave and any mistake you make didn't kill anyone. Sorry if others don't agree but that is what 25 years of nursing has taught me.:penguin:

I agree w/this 100%!!

In the long run, I think you're going to be a great nurse! Hang in there!

[JBirdAngel]

Hello,

this is kind off topic but i think its okay...

someone said they are not a tech and such, what is a tech as compared to a cna or lpn and what is the actual title of a tech if i were to look it up?

dont really knwo what all to say, most of us make mistakes, no matter our job etc. and it looks like you handled it correctly in telling the nurse adn taking responisibilty for what you did. and it would seem you care and are learning from the mistake.

thanks - jason