My best orientation mistakes

Nurses Humor

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I am week 4 in a 6 week orientation as a new RN in LTC/Rehab. I have done some really stupid stuff so far :lol2:

Highlights:

10)__ Tried to hook up an IV antibiotic with kangaroo (g-tube) tubing!

9)__ Unhooked a suprapubic catheter to flush without pinching the tube. Hello pee! I love pee!....just not on my shirt and shoes.

8)__ Tried to draw up insulin in a 60 cc syringe using an 18 gauge needle!

7)__ Stood around feeling really clueless.

6)__ Asked a s/p CVA pt. with right sided paresis to squeeze my hand....with her right hand.

5)__ Hid in the bathroom when asked to flush that dang suprapubic catheter again.

4)__ Had daily fights and arguments with the IV pump. "There is no freakin air bubbles you stupid machine I finally did it right this time. Stop beeping!!!"

3)__ Said to a Pt: "I really like how your member looks". so embarrassing....but at least the ulcer on it is healing!

2)__ Hid in the bathroom for 14A's flush again......

1)__ Tripped and fell into a Pt's bed landing pretty much fully on top of him! talk about a laugh.

I have never felt so stupid, clumsy and DIS-oriented ever in my life as I have in the last 4 weeks of orientation. :o

Okay, this is not so much a mistake as a funny story about myself- yes I am tattling on me.... When I was a new grad, I was very naive to the things of the world... I had a sheltered life and had no idea the crazy shenanagins people do to themself in the name of, shall we say, pleasuring themselves? Well, I had paged the surgeon, with no response, so later when I saw him he said he was sorry he didn't call back, he was in surgery emergently removing a whole carrot from someone's intestines. I looked at him and said, "how did he swallow a carrot whole?" He just stared at me and my preceptor said, "Yes, she's serious." I tell you what, for the next two years, when I least expected it, I would find a carrot in my lunch bag, my pocket, my chart, my locker..... I didn't live it down for a long time.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health, ALF.

Soo funny. Thanks for reminding me to keep a sense of humor. I've been nervous about starting a new job. Your post is just what I needed.

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I think Bradleau is a little confused- he apparently thinks it is OK to laugh at patients, and that he never makes mistakes so therefore it is OK to be harsh in his judgement of someone who is having the same struggles that we ALL did when new to this intimidating and somewhat overwhelming career that we have chosen. Quit being so harsh dude!

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Specializes in Med/surg, Quality & Risk.
I would love to have access to a 60cc syringe - where did you find that?

Me too, I need some for Jello shots!

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Okay, this is not so much a mistake as a funny story about myself- yes I am tattling on me.... When I was a new grad, I was very naive to the things of the world... I had a sheltered life and had no idea the crazy shenanagins people do to themself in the name of, shall we say, pleasuring themselves? Well, I had paged the surgeon, with no response, so later when I saw him he said he was sorry he didn't call back, he was in surgery emergently removing a whole carrot from someone's intestines. I looked at him and said, "how did he swallow a carrot whole?" He just stared at me and my preceptor said, "Yes, she's serious." I tell you what, for the next two years, when I least expected it, I would find a carrot in my lunch bag, my pocket, my chart, my locker..... I didn't live it down for a long time.

This is hilarious. I needed that laugh.:lol2:

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Specializes in ICU,ED, Corrections, dodging med-surg.

For those of you that don't know, yes, there is RECTAL ASA suppositories. Wish someone would have clarified that before the pt pooped out his tablet while my colleague and I were changing him. Boy did her eyes bug out! (yeah, I did it) Also, anyone elso rush off to work with 2 different reeboks on and didn't notice until someone told them? ( hey, at least they were both white)errr...off-white. ahhhh......good times....

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
for those of you that don't know, yes, there is rectal asa suppositories. wish someone would have clarified that before the pt pooped out his tablet while my colleague and i were changing him. boy did her eyes bug out! (yeah, i did it) also, anyone elso rush off to work with 2 different reeboks on and didn't notice until someone told them? ( hey, at least they were both white)errr...off-white. ahhhh......good times....

not with reeboks, but i've rushed off to work with two different danskos! i should have noticed that one was navy and the other was black!

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I once wore my scrub pants back to front - it's dark when I get dressed!

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Specializes in ICU,ED, Corrections, dodging med-surg.

Yeah, and there's the old wore the scrubs inside out so the seams were obvious..not a big deal..but can't believe I did it so many times, though I swore I would be more careful! Tough getting ready in the dark trying not to wake anyone! Did learn to check my shoes at least by the time I was in the car though.;) Hey, when you have kids to get up and get ready for school, lunches and backpacks, snacks and gas, coffee etc, easy to do......"god please let me finish getting ready before kids chaos awakening beginnings....."yes, kids, I will act like a drill sergeant if I can't get cooperation!":uhoh3:

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

in ortho...

tried to substitute a doubled ziplock bag for an icebag when we ran out of the real thing. when it melted about three-quarters of the way... bang! and my poor patient was soaked and his wife was livid!

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7)__ Stood around feeling really clueless.

I can relate! i always feel like i still have a lot to learn. During my hospital training, i had to change the foley catheter of my patient and it was my first time doing it on a real patient. I was glad my preceptor was there to help me out. After successfully inserting catheter, i accidentally punctured the rubber lining when i was inflating the balloon with a 10 cc syringe (*thought it was self sealing, i was wrong) and then nss squirted out. i was so embarrassed. :|

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

You know those step in baths, where you sit upright and have the water swirl up around you? Did you know you have to let the water drain OUT before you unlatch the door to have the pt step out again? Well, I sure learned that one:lol2:

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