New RN Already Making Mistakes

Updated:   Published

nurse-making-mistakes-am-i-cut-out-for-this.jpg.9ef04a5eaf1f16fdfe8477cbe1dd7ca2.jpg

In my last post, I mentioned that I was nearing the end of my preceptorship. I have been on my own for three weeks now and I just don't know how to think or feel. I dread going into work and have sometimes cried beforehand. 

The other night, I made a mistake. I administered a medication to a pt who is allergic to it. The doctor prescribed it, pharmacy mixed the medication, it didn't alarm me when I scanned it. But I should've caught it. Luckily, the pt is okay and had no reactions. And the nurse who informed me about it was very nice and said that I'm new and learning, but to just check that next time. So you can bet that I'll be looking harder at allergies before giving medications and even asking the pts before I give them medication.

I also had another situation that I'm wondering if my assessment skills are lacking. I had a gut feeling about a pt and did not listen to my gut. I asked another nurse about it and she said to just watch the pt. The pt was fine the rest of the shift. However, the next day, the pt was sent upstairs due to a possible acute situation. Or to rule it out. I'm wondering if I could've done more.

Am I not cut out for this?

There's so much to keep track of. Labs, recognizing s/sx in pts, techs not reporting abnormal VS, paperwork, etc.

I feel so incompetent. I go back tomorrow and am dreading it.

I plan to open my books back up and refresh my memory on s/sx of disorders, etc. But what else can I do? People keep telling me that I'll get better and that the only way to get better is to do it. But it's just so hard.

Any advice/encouragement would be appreciated.

Thank you!! 

4
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

People are right, it will get better, and the only way is to get through it and keep doing it. EVERYONE has made mistakes. That's life. Like you said, you will now check the allergies every time you give anything, so lesson learned. And the gut feeling thing will also improve with time. Don't spend all your time off trying to cram for your time at work, that will add to your stress. Enjoy your days off. Rest and take care of yourself. You're new. Accept that you're going to be new for a while. Some days will seem overwhelming. Then you'll get through them and have better ones. And another overwhelming one might happen again. We all have them, even after years of working. Yes, there's a lot to keep track of. But once you have more experience you will connect the dots, not feel like you're looking at random pieces of information. Then it will all make more sense. You'll be okay. Take a deep breath, try to enjoy things as you can, Take care.

13
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.
1 hour ago, BabyTurtle2k11 said:

I have been on my own for three weeks now and I just don't know how to think or feel. 

Three weeks is a very short time! It will get better, most nurses are not comfortable for at least one year, and even then there are always questions and new things to learn. Sounds like your assessment skills are good, like you said you just need to learn to listen to, trust, and act on your intuitions/feelings. Did the other nurse (and was this the Charge RN or another staff RN, it matters) see the pt or just listen to what you told them, either way if you still feel there is a problem call the MD, tell them your concerns, document their response, and be done with it (assuming no more changes in condition with the pt occur, if something else happens call again). Sounds like you learned from the med error with no harm done, forget about it and move on.  We all make mistakes bc we are human, don't kick yourself too hard! 

It will get better!

7
Up Vote Up Vote ×
5 hours ago, BabyTurtle2k11 said:

I also had another situation that I'm wondering if my assessment skills are lacking.

In a manner of speaking, yes they are. You are in the earlier stages of progressing toward expertise. So...lacking?  Sure...but it is much more true and accurate to just note that you are learning. You are toward the front end of a long learning curve. It's good to reflect on all that you are learning but not good to harshly critique yourself or expect perfection.

Everything's okay. ???

7
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

Start keeping a journal.  Include new learning experiences, the great job you did, the mistake you made, etc...  At the end of 6 months go back and reread it. I guarantee you will see how much your skills have improved.

6
Up Vote Up Vote ×

@Daisy4RN I just told the other nurse (it was a staff RN), she didn't actually look at the pt. I will do that next time. And yes, I have learned from each mistake that I've made. What also stinks about the situation is that I signed a two year contract. I've heard of some nurses quitting and HCA not coming after them, but I've heard of some that they did go after to repay the money. It's $10,000. Looking back, I wish I didn't sign the contract. I'm afraid that I'm stuck for now. 

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

Yes, it is important for another nurse to see the pt (usually). And just to clarify, IMO it matters whether or not it was the Charge for charting/documentation reasons (just carries more weight). Just know that you may have a staff RN who has more experience and better assessment skills than your Charge (seems like they don't need much experience these days) so learn who you can trust. So IMO it is a good idea to ask the Charge to give an opinion prior to calling MD, but either way just remember it is still your license so if in doubt call MD and document it, best for you (CYA) and the pt (continuity of care). Sorry if you are stuck there but it doesnt sound too bad for you (yet anyway). You will gain new experience and knowledge everyday and it will get easier/better!

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care-Case Management.

My heart goes out to you. I agree with the previous poster to double-check your gut feelings with an experienced RN with a generous heart. 

You sound very conscientious and please give yourself some room to grow.

Even experienced nurses make mistakes. 

One thing I wish I would have known is that there are many types of positions in nursing and some of them are not as stressful as hospital work.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care-Case Management.

I just re-read your fear about your 2 year contract. I would talk to an attorney to see if it legally binding. Somehow, I don't think so. You sound like a wonderful person; I'll be thinking about you. I know how you feel.

Hospitals can have an authoritarian feel, almost para-military. You will find your way.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you to everyone who has commented. It truly means a lot. I’m hoping with time that I’ll be better and more knowledgeable. I look things up in my off time and at work when I have a chance. Especially meds that I’ve never heard of. I’m currently sitting at work and I don’t feel terrible, but I think sometimes I have so much anxiety that it works against me and I can’t focus on things as much as I would like. I also don’t have the most confidence. I’ve always struggled with this. What other areas realistically could I eventually go into other than LTC? And I’m not sure about the contract. I was going to look into it. I’ve heard of them going after some nurses and not others to repay. 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 12/8/2020 at 2:48 PM, BabyTurtle2k11 said:

The doctor prescribed it, pharmacy mixed the medication, it didn't alarm me when I scanned it. But I should've caught it.

Complete system failure but going forward remember to never rely on scanning technology for anything about medication administration. Always, always use your best tool....your smart brain.

4 hours ago, BabyTurtle2k11 said:

What other areas realistically could I eventually go into other than LTC? 

You're too new to start thinking about giving up. Give yourself time. None of us were rock-stars right out of the gate. Even the ones who thought they were. ?

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care-Case Management.

Yes, I agree with giving yourself time. You will need @ least one year to be able to show experience.

My point is that though you may master hospital nursing, it is not a good fit for many nurses, hence the nursing shortage. Even on good days, it is a  stressful gig. 

Non-hospital jobs are not as plentiful, though the exist. I would not recommend an LTAC as it will be more of the same. (a grind)

Clinic jobs appeal to some; home health, hospice, nursing education. 

I loved working in the PACU (recovery room) but one needs ICU experience.

ICU can be very rewarding. Your patient load usually does not exceed 2, you have an Intensivist on site and you will learn incredible assessment skills.

There is a learning curve though.

Try not to internalize or beat yourself up. Exercise is helpful and try to find people you can confide in.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion