New Nurse Mistakes

[elizaelle]

Been a nurse for 3 weeks in LTC. My boss and co worjkers are very nice when they correct my mistakes. They always start by saying "weve all bee there" but I need some encouragement as I am feeling down on myself for stupid mistakes. First mistake was I got busy helping with PM care cuz we were short staffed and have some heavy patients and two meds were given a bit late. Second mistake was my charting inproperly. Fixed that right away. Another nurse told me that my charting is much better. Third mistake was listening to a private aide when Im the nurse and I know better. The order was to crush meds but the patient wouldn't eat the applesauce so the aid was like, "ive known her for 5 years, put the meds whole i the sauce one at a time and she will take them." But when the doctor found out I did that he flipped. My boss politely said, "never go against a doctors order, we can always explain the situation and ask him to change it." And lastly I got dstracted by an abusive family member while being interupted 38578 times during med pass and left a bottle of nose spray in the patients room.In my defense this family member has driven everyone nuts and had the director crying the other day.. Shes very abusive and will walk into other residents rooms while I'm giving them meds (ei screaming at me while I was giving the nose spray). I am not making excuses and will learn from these mistake and my boss is very nice and understanding and I read an article that said these are common new nurse mistakes. I guess I would just feel better if I heard your stories or thoughts on my story? Thanks!

[cardiacfreak, ADN]

Hang in there, IT WILL get better!

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

As a new nurse you will make mistakes. It happens. One does have to keep in mind that some mistakes can seriously harm or kill a patient so they should not be taken lightly. I'm glad your employer is being understanding, not all of them are quite so nice. Don't beat yourself up too hard. Just pay attention to detail and try to not rush. If someone is interrupting your medpass either address their issue so you can return distraction free or inform them that you will address the issue when you are done.