So this is my third term of first year and by the grace of God I haven't gotten one clinical deficiency until now. Just kinda down and need to talk about it. I have talked about it with a few fellow students I am close with, but just thought I would share it with others. Hopefully someone can learn from my mistake like I have.
It was the first time since I have started school that I was to be responsible for 2 patients. My CI said it went really well despite the med error I made.
This is how my day went.
Got to the hospital at 0630, before safety huddle and report I had introduced myself to both pts (one I had the day before) and got a set of vitals on both of them. I actually charted one before getting report.
I got report, charted my assumed care and then went to get pts ready for breakfast. One was a postop pt so he needed frequent pain assessments and administration of pain medication. The morning was going great.
My first pt got his CBG and insulin and a few other morning meds. I checked on my other pt, gave him his 0900 meds around 0830 (we have an hour window before and after the scheduled time). He also wanted a pain pill to, so got that for him. At this point I thought to myself, ok I don't have any more meds to give until lunch time (unless my post op pt needed something for pain).
So I went in to my other pts room did his assessment, then charted. Went to see my post op, gave him a differernt pain med (he was on dilaudid, oxycodone, ibuprofen) and did his assessment. So it is about 1000.
Then my primary nurse has to check my other pts buttocks because he has a reddened raw area he has been scratching at. So we did wound care together. Actually I got to do the wound care with her guidance. That took about 15 to 20 minutes.
So now it's about 1030 and I go check in with my CI. All my morning stuff is done, both assessments are charted and I am feeling pretty good about how things are going. Mentally giving myself a pat on the back for my good job. I was a little nervous at first.
My CI was with another student so I was patiently waiting, then BAM!!!!! I realized I missed 2 meds for my diabetic pt that was to be given at 0900 (he was to get captopril and lantus). I began to kinda freak out mentally, almost started crying.
When I had the attention of my CI and was away from others I mentioned to her that I missed the meds. She calmly asked me what happened. I explained to her that after giving my post op pt his meds I made a mental note that I was done passing meds until noon.
She said ok, lets fix the problem. She notified the pts primary nurse while I got the pts insulin ready for her to check and his BP med. I got a BP and pulse for the pt, pt was resting comfortably and not in any acute distress. He was stable for his condition.
We talked about it and she made me feel more comfortable about my mistake. Not that I want to do it again but that I don't beat myself up about it and really let it get to me.
In a way I feel like a total failure and am beginning to think if I am every going to get through nursing school after this mistake. Its in the back of my mind that I will make the mistake again, but then I say to myself I wont make the mistake again because this time I will be constantly checking and double checking the EMAR to make sure nothing is due for any of my pts.
My CI said overall my day went well and that I performed at 95% of my skill level and what is expected of me. Which makes me feel good but so awful at the same time. This was the first time I had 2 pts and I messed it up. She did say she has every bit of confidence I can take care of 2 pts successfully and not have this happen again.
Just wanted to share my experience with everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read this long post.
At my clinical site, we have a task sheet for each patient....I highlight each set of tasks that's done at a certain time (glucose tests, meds, etc)....each time slot is a different color so to distinguish the difference....it really helps with organization....
Snwbdr
198 Posts
At my clinical site, we have a task sheet for each patient....I highlight each set of tasks that's done at a certain time (glucose tests, meds, etc)....each time slot is a different color so to distinguish the difference....it really helps with organization....