Oh crap...I can't believe I forgot...

Piglet08 · Mar 27, 2012

Aww, heck. Easy to do; but what works well for me is to just PAUSE the IV pump instead of turning it off. Yes, it beeps. Yes, it's annoying. But it's much harder to forget about it.

Wave Watcher · Mar 27, 2012

The only thing I would have done was actually call the nurse on shift. She may not have noticed herself yet.

I've had those "doh!" moments more times than I can count! Every nurse has had those days/nights/weeks......I think you'll survive to see tomorrow! Hugs!!

tyloo · Mar 27, 2012

I don't mean to sound rude but......just kidding. Just FYI call work when you forget something like that. Yeah the oncoming nurse may have already known-or not?? I get phone calls from the previous shift and appreciate the heads up.

Now what specifically did I forget? Aw...can't remember (how ironic) but I know it happens. I, unlike you, don't realize I forgot something until the following day or two that I'm off :idea: . And the thing I forgot just appears out of nowhere! I don't know how it happens because when I leave work- I leave it! Good day or bad day- I don't rehash it. But it is crazy because it floats into my head out of nowhere. I could be brushing my teeth getting ready for bed and KABOOM it surfaces in my head (trying to mess with my sleep or make me feel guilty- LOL)

Lynx25, LPN · Mar 27, 2012

Sh*t happens, no bigge. I just call and let the next nurse know what's going on. (Or text, we text like maniacs here.)

1018rn · Mar 27, 2012

If the patient was ready for discharge, they should have been therapeutic in the Coumadin or switched to an injectable. It is an error, but certainly not the worst you could make, and I bet you'll never forget again. Don't beat yourself up too bad.

sapphire18 · Mar 27, 2012

Yep, definitely should have called, but odd that she's on a heparin gtt on the day of discharge. Anyways...I will always remember things like an hour (or 3) later that my patient had asked for another blanket, or pillow, or ice water. Luckily it doesn't usually happen with meds, or other more important things! *knocks on wood*Oh yeah, and like someone above said, don't turn the pump off when it just needs to be put on hold. :)

Seas · Mar 27, 2012

I forget to chart stuff sometimes; especially the blood transfusions! Yea, I go back to work and chart the same day.

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2012

our iv yells out us if we turn it off and don't turn it back on unless we put it in to standby.....otherwise i would have done that too. it happens.

threebrats46 · Mar 27, 2012

Id have called the unit. Once I woke up at 3am in a cold sweat and hubby was like are you ok. I said I forgot to sign the restraint forms. It happens.

BostonTerrierLover, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2012

Lol, I can tell I am going to love this thread, It alway's hits me in the shower that I forgot something. It always hits you like a ton of bricks, but the nurses on the opposite shift always appreciate that call, and it shows that you really are thoughful and concientious about your shift.

I have learned a bad habit, but it works. I write on my hands. Still doesn't stop everything, but it helps.

I once had "BCBA" written on my hand, that reminded me not to start their Antibiotics before Blood Cultures were drawn. I always want to get orders rolling at 100mph, and it takes some thought, not easy for an unDx ADD nurse.

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Mar 27, 2012

Aww, heck. Easy to do; but what works well for me is to just PAUSE the IV pump instead of turning it off. Yes, it beeps. Yes, it's annoying. But it's much harder to forget about it.

I do the same thing. I think many of us have learned that lesson the hard way