My patient fell

interceptinglight, CNA · Apr 11, 2011

...and I know it isn't my fault, but I feel guilty as hell. Patient is fine. I'm not. I feel like I failed him. Rationally, not my fault, but gah.
Extreme guilt. I was right there with him, talking to him one second and then the next BAM, on the floor.

Yep, I know the feeling all too well. I had a resident fall recently because I did not attach her tabs alarm and her chair sensor failed to alert us of her trying to stand because it was expired. I was so mortified I wanted to quit right then and there. There's no easy way to deal with your feelings about this other than realize you simply cannot stop falls from happening from time to time; all you can do is your very best every day. You didn't fail, either -- the only way to fail is to not care what happens. Obviously that will never happen to you. :heartbeat

systoly · Apr 12, 2011

Remember when we gave up restraints to improve quality of life? We knew we could not possibly prevent all falls, but we were willing to accept the risk. It always hurts when it happens on your watch, but think about the positive. You WERE right there to offer help. No waiting or struggle to get help.