OK I made a mistake.... but am I in danger of failing clinical now?

[luv2shopp85]

Okay so I made a really huge mistake today. I'm in my first year of nursing school and finishing up my second semester which is medsurg. We have needle boxes where we throw the needles in when we're finished, its biohazard and stuff. And those are located in every room of the hospital. Well on my floor we have this conference room in the back where we all do our charting, and go over our meds with the instructor and do our paperwork. This is pretty much a student area and the nurses don't come in unless they are looking for one of us. At one time this was a 3 bed hospital room but it hasn't been since we started in January. There are no beds in there just tables and chairs. So today as I was walking out of the room... (dont ask why I did it bc I DONT KNOW!). I looked at the needle box on the wall and saw that there was a piece of paper that looked like a note folded up in there. I just wasn't thinking and I went to grab the paper out of there to throw it away. I thought since this room isn't used there wouldn't be needles in there.... which I know it was wrong of me to ASSUME that. And I didn't think before doing it. After doing it the one lady who was walking out wtih me started flipping out and saying omg I cant believe you did that, what if you got stuck! etc etc I realized what I did then and there and I went and washed my hands. I did not get stuck or even touch a needle. The only thing I touched was the paper. Then I went out in the hallway for a little bit. After that I came back into the back room and I got an attitude with the lady who flipped out and did i forget to mention... TOLD THE WHOLE CLINICAL GROUP about what I did. I told her that it was my business and I'll do what I want. So I figured this was the end of it. Next thing I know we're all going to lunch and then my instructor points at me and says "you stay here." I instantly thought omg what a ***** for telling on me!, then I thought oh no im in trouble! So she basically said she couldn't have unsafe people in her clinical group on the floor and she told me to go to the nursing school which is 10 minutes away to talk to the nursing director. I was shocked... she didn't even give me a chance to explain or ask me what happened. I got tears in my eyes but I didn't really cry or start bawling. Keep in mind that this was my last day on the clinical floor because the next 2 clinical days I am in the OR and the semester will be over after that. So then I realized that I didn't drive to school today and rode with a friend. SO i went to tell the teacher that and another friend in the class was with me and she offered to drive me over to the school and just stop somewhere that has a drive thru to eat her lunch. The instructor said that was okay and she said she woudl tell my friend who I rode with to school what happened and to pick me up at the school when we were done with clnical. So I'm trying to keep it together and I was talking to my friend about it while walking to her car and of course I couldn't help but crying. Everyone is afraid of the nursing director and thinks shes so mean and so unfair blah blah blah. I just decided that I was going to tell the director exactly what happeend, not lie about it, and tell her that I learned my lesson. Well once I went to see her... she was soo nice. I told her everything and I realized exactly what I did wrong. She said to me" you know what happens when you assume something about clinical (assuming no needles would be in the needle box because the room is not used for a pt room).....it makes an ass out of you and me." I kept my cool while talking to her and was very direct and polite. Then she said I violated a disciplinary rule of the school or something. I told her I was extremely sorry and it would not happen again. I admitted that I was wrong and all that. So the nshe kind of lectured me on needle stick injuries. After that she told me that she wants me to give her an article next week about needle stick injuries and tell her what I learned. Wow I was relieved when I heard that! Turns out everyone in my clnical group was worried about me... and the lady who told the instructor on me was crying the entire afternoon because she felt so bad about what happened. She didn't think the instructor would take it that far and she just thought the instructor would lecture me on it and that would be all. She was really upset and worried about me. So then she wanted me to call her and gave someone her number to give to me to make sure everything was okay. I talked to her and everything is good. Now here is the hard part...... I've asked my instructor a few weeks ago and today if I was in danger of failing clnical. This is because she tears my papers apart and puts redmarks all over everythign I hand in. She said no both times so I was glad about that. But NOW.... this little incident happened. I didn't really give it much thought until now that just because the director of nursing did not kick me out of the program that I can still fail clniical because the clinical instructor decides. Is this enough to make me fail?? Is there anything you could reccomend me doing? I would hate to fail clnical because of this even though I know I shouldn't have done it. SHould I email my instructor and tell her what happened exactly and let her know I'm sorry and tell her that I'll give her the same article and explain to her what I learned? I don't want to get an objective not met just because of this error I made. EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES>... no one is perfect. It wasn't like I made a med error or put my patients safety in jeapordy. Does anyone have any suggestions what to do??? I'm going to be worrying about this and the big exam I have coming up. Should I go and talk to the instructor? Is this even grounds for dfailing the program? I just don't know what to do .... i feel helpless and I hate it. I just wish I would have though before doing it. Any suggestions anyone?? Help me someone... :scrying:

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

Yes, what you did was dangerous, but you weren't thinking.

Unfortunately, you always need to be thinking. And it is the instructors job to see who's thinking and who is not. Sorry it sounds so harsh.

But, in general, nursing school instructors go crazy about any mistakes that you make. Yes, their license is what you are working under, but they must be patient people, and know that you are students, and you WILL make mistakes BECAUSE you are ONLY LEARNING!!!!!!

Careful with your generalizations:nono: , b/c I have a few too (but I'll keep them to myself:wink2:).

[luv2shopp85]

Everyone makes mistakes. I see what you mean about the age diffrence thing. I am one of the youngest in my nursing program. I also see myself making more mistakes then people that are older then me. They seem to already know alot of things that we are "supposed" to know already, but I don't know.

Yes, what you did was dangerous, but you weren't thinking. Sometimes people make mistakes when they aren't thinking clearly. We are all human. And it will happen to all of us. This student that was so "concerned" about what you did should have talked to you about her concern, instead of telling the teacher. If the teachers didn't make a spectacle of you, in front of everyone, and make you feel like a horrible person for making a mistake then I could understand letting them know. But, in general, nursing school instructors go crazy about any mistakes that you make. Yes, their license is what you are working under, but they must be patient people, and know that you are students, and you WILL make mistakes BECAUSE you are ONLY LEARNING!!!!!!

Thank you... someone sees what I'm trying to say about the age thing. She was afellow student who made me feel like she was my mother yelling at me. And she did not yell in a nice way either. If she would have said it normally and talked to me about it instead of runing to the teacher I think we all would be a bit more happy. I would never go running to the teacher and tell on a fellow student. Well I can't really say never, but you know what I mean. Also.... this lady is the biggest buttkisser I've ever seen. She failed out last year and is repeating the second term this semester. Pretty much everyday for clinical she will bring the instructor little gifts. One day she brought her chocolate covered pretzels, one day she brought her cookies. I don't know why she feels the need to do this.

[luv2shopp85]

Um, I think your attitude was the BIGGEST problem. Smarting off to staff is a BIG no-no! I would suggest just taking responsibilty for what you did, and accept the consequences. In the future, when you make a mistake, own up to it and realize that even that doesnt get you "off."

Sounds like one of those dumb mistakes that you unfortunately got caught at!

It wasn't even staff though... just a fellow student. IF it was staff I would NEVER get an attitude with them. They respect the students and we are lucky enough to have nurses who actually are thankful that we are there and don't see us as more of a nuisance.

[luv2shopp85]

Today I made it a point to go and speak to my clinical instructor on my break from the OR. I just kind of asked her if everything was okay and if I had anything to worry about passing wise with clinical. She didn't tell me straight out you are going to pass but she also didn't say failing either. She did say she appreciates me coming to talk to her. She also told me about a problem I am having with communicating. I have trouble communicating therapeutically with my patients. She told me taht this is not something that she would fail me for but its something that needs to be recognized and should be fixed by next term. I told her I completely understaood where she was coming from and I was willing to do anything to fix it. I also told her I was going to read my communication chapter in my nursing fundamentals book to see if I can learn anything from that. She said that would be something that would help me and it shows that I have a desire to be taught. I told her taht I was willing to try anything and that I have a strong desire to learn. I also went and talked to the instructor who taught the communiation lecture in the beg of the semester and asked her if she'd be willing to help me with it and she quickly agreed. My clinical instructor told me she wants to meet with me on Friday and make a plan about what we can do with this whole communication thing and to see what I need to work on with it. I told her I'd gladly meet with her and I'm open minded to whatever she has to say. She also todl me that therapeutic communication is something I have to learn, and its hard for someone else to teach it to me. I told her that I'd try my best and give anything a shot. I'm going to talk to some of the other students to see what they have to say about therapeutic communication. It couldn't hurt... right? And whatever I can do to make myself a better nurse... I am allll for it!!

[luv2shopp85]

I can't say for sure that your instructor will fail you or not, but it seems that the very worst has already happened -- being counseled by the director. I'd consider the incident over and keep my fingers crossed (that is, not approach the instructor).

I don't know the particulars of your school, but I would think the instructor would only fail you for poor overall clinical performance, not one mistake.

That is pretty much the way it is at my school too. I did approach her about it today... (look at my above post) and she seemed glad that I did. She said that I was taking a step in the right direction and showing concern which are both good things to do.

[luv2shopp85]

This is a little off topic... kind of embaressed to talk about it too, but here it goes:

When I was younger I was diagnosed with ADHD... and I took ritalin for it. This went on from about 4th grade up until 6th grade. Then I got back on it in 9th grade because I was having problems in school and I continued on it until I graduated. After this I got off the medication because I just didnt' like the idea of being medicated. Then when I started college a year ago to take anatomy and physiology I wanted to get back on the meds so I'd be able to pay attention during class and wouldn't have behavioral issues. I'm still on the medication today which is strattera. I'm not sure if its helping though. I find myself struggling to pay attnetion in class, always antsy, and I DONT THINK BEFORE I SPEAK/DO things. I know that is a symptom of ADD... maybe that is what prompted me to stick my hand in the needle container. This is the only thing I can think of. I'm going to make an appointment to see my doctor and talk to him about all this in the next week or so. I want to see if he thinks I should be on something stronger or maybe get off of the medication. I would hate to see, these stupid impulses that I get, cause me to not be able to become a registered nurse or put myself or pts in danger. And I don't want this to become a pity party for me in ANY WAY! I just thought maybe someone here would have experience dealing with this type of thing and could tell me what to do. I hate the idea of being medicated and I know these drugs have very severe side effects. Maybe I'm just crazy and need to grow up or something... i dunnooo

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

This is a little off topic... kind of embaressed to talk about it too, but here it goes:

When I was younger I was diagnosed with ADHD... and I took ritalin for it. This went on from about 4th grade up until 6th grade. Then I got back on it in 9th grade because I was having problems in school and I continued on it until I graduated. After this I got off the medication because I just didnt' like the idea of being medicated. Then when I started college a year ago to take anatomy and physiology I wanted to get back on the meds so I'd be able to pay attention during class and wouldn't have behavioral issues. I'm still on the medication today which is strattera. I'm not sure if its helping though. I find myself struggling to pay attnetion in class, always antsy, and I DONT THINK BEFORE I SPEAK/DO things. I know that is a symptom of ADD... maybe that is what prompted me to stick my hand in the needle container. This is the only thing I can think of. I'm going to make an appointment to see my doctor and talk to him about all this in the next week or so. I want to see if he thinks I should be on something stronger or maybe get off of the medication. I would hate to see, these stupid impulses that I get, cause me to not be able to become a registered nurse or put myself or pts in danger. And I don't want this to become a pity party for me in ANY WAY! I just thought maybe someone here would have experience dealing with this type of thing and could tell me what to do. I hate the idea of being medicated and I know these drugs have very severe side effects. Maybe I'm just crazy and need to grow up or something... i dunnooo

Good for you for taking steps all the way around to try and fix the problem. It took courage and maturity to face your CI and ask her how to resolve the problems. And I think you are on the right track by seeing your doctor for the ADD. It might be that the meds aren't working in your favor anymore and you need an adjustment or you need to try something different. You will never know unless you ask, right?

Good luck!!

[tencat]

by then in school, people should know better than to put their fingers in the sharps trap like that.

Someone should tell that to the anesthesiologist I saw last week in the OR who accidentally put the narc meds in the sharps, then proceeds to open up the container, and riffle through all the needles without gloves, even.

I think it showed poor judgement to put a hand into a sharps container, definitely, but you have to consider the poster's age, too. She's not got a lot of 'life' experience yet, and to crucify her over a mistake, especially if she's been doing well and doesn't have a pattern of unsafe practice is overreacting and demoralizing. Ok, she's done it and it was a bad error in judgement, but if she learns something from it (she is in school, after all), great. I understand that she's practicing under the license of her clinical instructor, and I agree that the instructor should keep close watch on her in case there is a pattern (I would be nervous, too), but the situation was really not handled well. It would have been much better if the instructor had thought it through before flying off the handle and sending the student to the school director. Now, if this incident was only one of several unsafe instances, then the reaction would be totally appropriate.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I think it showed poor judgement to put a hand into a sharps container, definitely, but you have to consider the poster's age, too.

No i don't and won't, because age is a number, and life experience at that age can vary for anyone, the anesthesiologist being a primary example.

What i am considering about "should know better" is that their semester is almost up, and somewhere in that time, most anyone can grasp the concept that fingers in sharps box/trap=not good.

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

no i don't and won't, because age is a number, and life experience at that age can vary for anyone.

what i am considering about "should know better" is that their semester is almost up, and somewhere in that time, most anyone can grasp the concept that fingers in sharps box/trap=not good.

agreed. if we need to consider her age, then she is not ready to take on the responsibility of being a nurse (and i'm not saying this is so, luv2shopp, just plating devil's advocate). we don't make exceptions like that, because of age. i am very sensitive when it comes to the age thing. i was a 20 yr old nurse, and a 31 yr old educator. i had to work just as hard as my 30, 40 and 50yr old counterparts. i can't stand when people use age as a crutch, or generalize, for that matter (ie, these young nurses are this and that):angryfire.

i'll get off my soapbox now.

[PickMePlze]

So make a note to yourself. "Never put my hand in the sharps container.";)

Seriously, you will probably make more mistakes before its all over. Don't let this get you down.

Watch the woman who tattled on you. She sounds like a hater.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Watch the woman who tattled on you. She sounds like a hater.

If she did this to her repeatedly, a watching might be warranted.