joycelorelle

"Give 2 tabs q 6hours" is not a range order. It is an explicit order. A range order would be 1-2 tabs q 4-6 hours prn. In that instance, you would most likely need clarification (ie when to give 1 tab? when to give 2? NTE what dose in a 24 hour period?). The clarification isn't because the nurse is stupid -- it's to protect him/her in the instance that there was an error or an issue. It's also to protect the patient from an accidental overdose, or different interpretation by 2 nurses caring for the same patient.

It's never, never wrong to have something clarified. Even if it is explicit -- we don't want to do extra harm. Although, as others have said, I would have checked with the doctor too -- especially after the pharmacist told you to do something that hadn't been ordered that way.

As many other people have said, you never know everything. And you will find as soon as you start your job in nursing, that it's very very different than nursing school. I've been a nurse for years and I still have a drug guide, a lab manual, and a medical encyclopedia in my bag every day. As you work the floor, you will find there are always people that will help you. Use your managers. They didn't get to be your manager by being incompetent. You will also start to see the same types of things over and over. You can read what a hypoglycemic episode looks like a thousand times, but it's when you see it that you learn what to do. Just remember, pay attention to your patients. Use your books. You will be fine. The NCLEX is scary and stressful, but take a little time each day to study. Make flash cards and drug cards; just writing things down will help you remember. Don't try to study 5 hours each day -- an hour or two, then take a break. You won't retain anything if you try to study everything at once. And get good sleep the night before the NCLEX, eat a good breakfast in the morning. Have faith in yourself and your knowledge. Good luck!

Don't let this horrible experience deter you from nursing, if that's what you love. Let it help you to become a better nurse -- take this experience and remind yourself when you get frustrated, stressed, overworked that that's not the kind of nurse you are, not the kind of nurse you want to be. As they say, don't let one bad apple ruin the whole bunch. It's true that some nurses are harsh and rude. Just remember that it's her problem and not yours. And if medicine/nursing is truly what you love, don't let some random person deter you from your dreams. And on the same page, be on the lookout for nurses that embody what you want to be as a nurse. You can't control anyone else's action, the only thing you can control is your reaction. And I'm sorry this happened to you. It must be a difficult situation for you. Sending you good, happy, strong healing vibes!

I'm just starting out as an AHA instructor and I plan to charge $25 per class, minimum of 4 students. Center must pay extra for cards, they can "rent" my books for $5 each, one per student or they can buy their own from my training center. That's just my plan, we shall see how it goes. Good luck!