Mistakes! I feel like an idiot

[Sierralee]

This was the only place I know where I can talk about this! I have just started a new job ( almost 2months) at a Nursing Home ( Assisted Living). I thought I was doing pretty good with only 3 days orientation. I have assessed a TIA and infections and dehyrdation and was able to get things moving on all situations. BUT, last nite I made a med mistake. New adm. to a apartment. I gave the lady her meds at 8pm and they were all ready given on 8am. They were maintenance drugs. (Lexapro/Avapro. Nothing happen to the lady. BUT I feel like _ _ _ _! Didn't sleep at all. Call my daylight supervisor this morning, she seem calm and laid back, stated Okay haven't gotten that far this morning. Has anyone ever made a med mistake. I wondered how do we as nurses go through years of passing meds and never make a mistake. IS THAT POSSIBLE? I really like this job. Its exactly what I wanted at this stage of my life. Part-time, good salary, nice atmosphere, low turn over, close to home. I am a nervous wreck over this. I hoping they don't think I some kind of a flake. I am always very professional in appearance and my work ethics. I have alot experiences with medical office procedures. God am I that stupid with meds. Please someone let me know if they have ever made a mistake. I know we are human and we do make mistakes. Thanks :uhoh21: :stone

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Everyone has made med errors if they've been a nurse for any length of time. You are right, we are human. Now, for the next step - can you figure out WHY the mistake was made? Are the times difficult to read on the MAR? Was the patient confused? Once you figure out the why, you can fix the problem. Good luck.

[TreetopAngel_RN]

We've all made med errors. The best way to handle it is up front and learn from the experience.

Don't ever try to hide a med error and acknowledge gracefully if someone else spots an error you have made.

My first med error kept me awake all night and I flogged myself for days. I even showed up for the investigation phase of the error, something I guess no one else had ever done. As a consequence, I was made part of the investigation team.

Even pharmacisits make mistakes...and doctors.

Elizabeth

[scorpionrs33]

This was the only place I know where I can talk about this! I have just started a new job ( almost 2months) at a Nursing Home ( Assisted Living). I thought I was doing pretty good with only 3 days orientation. I have assessed a TIA and infections and dehyrdation and was able to get things moving on all situations. BUT, last nite I made a med mistake. New adm. to a apartment. I gave the lady her meds at 8pm and they were all ready given on 8am. They were maintenance drugs. (Lexapro/Avapro. Nothing happen to the lady. BUT I feel like _ _ _ _! Didn't sleep at all. Call my daylight supervisor this morning, she seem calm and laid back, stated Okay haven't gotten that far this morning. Has anyone ever made a med mistake. I wondered how do we as nurses go through years of passing meds and never make a mistake. IS THAT POSSIBLE? I really like this job. Its exactly what I wanted at this stage of my life. Part-time, good salary, nice atmosphere, low turn over, close to home. I am a nervous wreck over this. I hoping they don't think I some kind of a flake. I am always very professional in appearance and my work ethics. I have alot experiences with medical office procedures. God am I that stupid with meds. Please someone let me know if they have ever made a mistake. I know we are human and we do make mistakes. Thanks :uhoh21: :stone

i read in a recent AJN that most med errors start at the prescription stage...which means with doctors, so do not beat yourself up. And mistakes can and do happen. just take it as a learning experience.

[bobnurse]

every nurse will make a med error in their career. Many times it goes unrecognized. At least you were aware of your mistake and were able to monitor the patient.....

It happens. Make it a learning experience.

[Mystery5]

Welcome to the club...