Notanewnurse

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I've been a nurse for 15 years. I never went to college until 34 years of age. I have experience in several areas. Recently, after all these years I find myself making stupid mistakes no matter how careful I try to be. What is wrong with me? I feel so stupid. These mistakes have not caused patient harm but I am racked with so much anxiety over everything. To top it off I'm in perimenopause and my emotions are over the top. Any advice from seasoned nurses?...I'll take any words of wisdom right now. I'm sinking

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
3 hours ago, CKPM2RN said:

I've never been the most "focused" person, but since menopause started my memory, concentration, and focus have been lost. I hope it doesn't last a long time. I've heard of some women having symptoms for a decade or more.

It's a struggle on when I work, I often write things on my arm to help. (Alcohol swabs remove ink easily.)

Sometimes, the side of effects of HRT are minimal and very worth it. I'm not saying what YOU should do, but for some people, HRT is worth the try. My mother had some severe, unusual effects of menopause -- and really needed the HRT to live any type of life for a few years. For her, not taking the pills was not an option. She experienced no negative side effects and was able to wean off them after a few years. Everyone is unique and may have a different experience. But keep talking with your doctor with an open mind. Some of the newer options may be worth a trial. If you experience negative side effects, you can stop doing it.

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Give yourself a break, things happen. Could be related to hormones/aging, could be due to work related distractions. Just be careful that you don't start paralyzing yourself with overthinking. I had a colleague that got to the point where they couldn't administer anything, like PO lopressor or subcutaneous insulin because they were so concerned about the potential for making a mistake. You are a competent nurse and you made a couple mistakes, don't beat yourself up too much.

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Thank you for all the kind words

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Well my friends get this....this error I previously spoke of...you guessed it...i was given a Formal Counseling and get this...on my last working day there...I had already resigned to take another position elsewhere....I didnt really need this hanging over my head...I'm a complete mess today all day....I've contacted my union and am grieving the memo

Does anyone have any experience with formal counseling memos???please advise

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