New grad, 1st med error...looking for advice & encouragement

[wendysu84_LPN]

I've been working in LTC for about a month now, on my own for almost 2 weeks. Sunday I made my first medication error. Thankfully it didn't cause an adverse reaction or harm to the patient. I didn't realize I had done it either until shift change count on the narcs. I gave a resident an extra dose of Klonopin 0.5mg along with 9pm scheduled Lortab 7.5, resident receives Klonopin BID but I must of given a 3rd dose with scheduled LTB.

I feel absolutely horrible, cried last night , cried today and just don't know how I am going to have confidence to go back to work. I'm new there and everyone knows I'm a new nurse. But still I feel crappy. There were several variables as to why I made this error, but excuses a side I take full responsibility. I know it's an eye opener for me and I will be more cautious in the future, but I am really needing some words of encouragement and advice at this time.

Even though I have always wanted to be a nurse, since this has happened...I wonder if I'm really equipped for the responsibility and I just want to take every precaution to make sure this doesn't happen again.

[juststartinout]

Don't beat yourself up over it. I think everyone makes med errors starting out I know I did, and honestly an extra dose of klonopin probably gave the resident the best night of rest he or she had had in a while. All you can do is pick yourself up, and come up with a system for how to make sure meds don't get missed or given twice. New nurses make med errors, and seasoned nurses make med errors, it happens. You're not alone, keep at it, learn from it. You can do it! Good luck!

[NoviceRN10]

Don't be too hard on yourself! Go back armed with knowledge that you will be more diligent in the future :). Everyone makes errors, and anyone who says they don't isn't very honest!

[Future_Nurse89]

I have been a CNA for four years at a long term facility and I have seen experienced nurses with med errors. I have heard of other nurses doing that too. I Know it is not the best thing to happen esp. after graduating but that is a normal thing. All you have to do is pick up your head and do the best you can!

[whodatnurse]

I haven't gotten my first nursing job yet, but of my classmates who have, they've all felt exactly like you when they made that first med error. I don't know that there's a nurse on here who's been at it for 2 or more years who has NEVER done so. Learn what you can from the experience so you can prevent making the same mistake twice and keep plugging along. This too shall pass.

[Sunnysidegirl]

Yep, I am a new grad too (1yr) with two errors: one med(no harm to pt) and one charting.And yes I have felt exactly the way you do.Horrible!I agree with the previous posts.We can't beat ourselves up.I remind myself that it is about the pt (not me) and providing better care in the future.Surely we try hard to do our best.Concentrate on all the good things you have done for your pt's.An error can help us learn and we are not machines.I agree though, it is hard to pick yourself up and dust off after feeling like you took a nose dive.I respect you for recognizing and admitting your own error and caring deeply about it!

[sabrina_RPN]

"this too shall pass"

I made my first error a couple months ago. The horrible feeling passes, and you will never make the same error twice. Try not to be too hard on yourself, we all make mistakes. When you do your next med pass you will be hyper-vigilant about the checks and rights. As long as you took the correct steps to log this incident, you are being accountable as a nurse. It's good that you feel the way you do - thats what makes a good nurse.

Smile and keep your head held high :)