Sothatswhatitis

Hey all, I left nursing in May 2021 to do a long bike trip through the US and Mexico. I just got home at the beginning of the month and am wondering whether to mention what I did after I left my job, so I can explain the big empty time period. Or... do I just put on the work experience I have and offer my explanation when its time to interview? Thanks in advance :)

After I sent the email with the CDC article link, she got really defensive it seemed to me. She said, more or less: I don't need to read any article, I know the practice. That's why you were taught the proper way. I was just being nice for you. If it makes you feel better I could give you corrective action for x, y and z. I'm not sure how to take this. I don't feel my email was threatening, I was just trying to make sure she was aware of the risk, which on her first email it seemed she wasn't. I tried to be respectful in relaying the article, and my purpose was to come clean and make sure the two patients affected get the right care. I don't object to corrective action, as long as it's actually corrective and helps me learn. But I felt threatened on reading it... Obviously you all are reading my abridged (only slightly) version, but some of it is nearly verbatim. I guess I will have a better idea when we talk.

Thank you for your responses. She emailed me back saying that such back-flow should not happen "since you are pushing the medication and not aspirating". I responded saying basically: that's what I thought but here is this CDC article that says otherwise. And it probably goes without saying but we will be having a talk in person next time I'm in while she's there (I work nights): probably tomorrow morning.

During orientation in September or October I administered a patient Humalog from another patient's pen. I had no idea that blood could back-flow in, so when I realized my mistake, I was shaken up but concluded it wasn't a big deal since the med was right and needle was clean. I didn't report it to anyone; I was afraid being a new grad of getting in trouble and thought it ultimately wasn't a big deal. Not to defend my actions but to report why. I have just sent an email to my manager explaining and now I'm waiting for the call back... I'm very nervous but glad I decided to report. I had been feeling so guilty and worried since I learned of the blood backflow. I'm still worried because I didn't report it as soon as I learned about it - I was back and forth, thinking the likelihood of harm seems very low based on a little research. I worry I'm not fit to be a nurse for not reporting right away and being so concerned about what reporting it would mean for me.

Hey all! I'm a new nurse and finishing my second week of caring for patients (along with my preceptor). I am enjoying the work and the challenge that comes with it, but I know that I need some help. The thing is, I have such a hard time keeping everything straight in my head. I mean, I've been coming in at least an hour early to read about my patients so I can... well, do better. The thing is, after actually starting the shift, I feel bewildered. It's like I haven't read about my patients, I can't put together a coherent clinical story (why they came, the treatment they received until now, what needs to be done for them, etc) for them and I forget who has what diagnosis with what comorbidities. It's very frustrating and disheartening. I try to keep thinking it will come with time, but I had similar problems as a PCT (which I did for nearly 3 years): What was their diet? Can they get up? Are they diabetic? So I would check my brain sheet to find out. But now the responsibilities are much greater and I want to remember everything better. To be able to give report with some fluidity and cohesiveness. Instead I sort of ramble, with no clear clinical narrative. And after a short while, my preceptor has to jump in. I even forget/leave out events of the day that are important to pass on to the oncoming nurse. So.... What can I do to improve? Any tricks you use for remembering information and putting it in a nice and neat clinical story? Thanks in advance :)