I am new Grad from May 2020. I got my job in subacute/SKF.
My patient had a PICC line that needed to be removed. I didn't think about that much. While I was going to give him meds, I prepared to remove his PICC line. All I took with me is a clean glove, gauze and a Bandage.
So, I told pt to lay down, extend his arm. Then I start peeling off the transparent pad. Once the pad is off, I saw the insertion site. I used my left hand to press the gauze on the insertion site, and with my right hand started to pull out the line. Then I realized, OMG, this is a long line! But I can't stop, so I just pulled it out, and threw it in the trash bag. I placed gauze then bandage on the site.
Later, when the charge nurse came ask me if I already removed the PICC line, because she was planning to come with me to supervise me. I said I already removed it. Then she asked, if I removed PICC line before. ? I said YES! WOW!! Why I say yes! I only removed peripheral, regular IV line when I was in clinical! Then she asked if I have the measurement. I said no, I forgot, but I still have the line in the trash bin. She showed me the insertion documentation and told me I have to measure the length of the PICC line. It is a different protocol compared to the IV line. And she asked me again if I removed a PICC line before. I said YES, again. She asked, "Where, school?" I said YES, I just forgot to measure it. Thank GOD, the PICC line was still in the trash bin, and the length is the same as the inserted length.
Now, after getting back home, thinking about what had happened, I feel guilty. I don't know what to do now. Should I tell my charge nurse tomorrow that I lied? I feel so bad! I also googled the PICC line removal protocol. I needed to don a sterile glove to remove it?! I needed occlusive dressing?! Because pt. is at risk for infection, bleeding, and air embolism, and blood clot!
Sorry about my grammar. I don't know what to do now. I feel so bad.
