Tierno

I just want to say you are not alone. All nurses make mistakes - very few will admit it but we all make mistakes. It comes with being human. Just try to listen to the voice in your head that knows you are intelligent, strong and compassionate. Listen to the voice that kindly reminds you to go slow, do your checks, etc. The other voice - the one saying you shouldn't be a nurse-shut it down.

I sincerely appreciate all of your responses. I felt like I was all alone but with a huge spot light on me for the whole world to see and the deep voice of one of those guys in a movie preview saying "This one should not be a nurse!" Now the spotlight is off, the deep voice disappeared and I'm part of the crowd. Thanks again.

My patient had a 15 mg MS Contin due. When I went in her room to administer, she was crying. She had been admitted the day before after getting hit by a car while walking her dog. Her dog, an adored 12 year companion to her, didn't make it. I comforted her and when she was calmer, told her I had pain medicine for her. She said the last time she had it, it felt like too much. I offered to cut it in half. I didn't realize I'd done anything wrong until the RN I was wasting the remaining half tablet with brought it to my attention. I immediately notified the doctor and kept a close eye on her the rest of my shift. I don't know what happened. I temporarily lost my mind? I've been a nurse for several years. I've given MS Contin many times. I know not to crush or cut this medication. But somehow, the knowledge escaped me. I will add that I empathized with her deeply as I had recently lost an adored pet. And I was working sick. But still, how could I just forget the rules of the medication? And technically I was changing the order. The order was for 15 mg, not 7.5 mg. Why didn't I think to contact the doctor? Luckily, my patient was okay. She experienced some nausea that was relieved by Zofran. But she had no drop in respirations and her other vitals remained stable. This has crushed my confidence. Will I make some other error that has a terrible outcome? Has anyone else done this? I need some words of wisdom.