"Stupid" questions and working as new RN

[lillystarrn]

Hello,

I've got another question and don't know if it's considered a "stupid" question or not. I'll give you my background first (for those who have not read my earlier posts) and what had happened. I'm currently on my 8th week of working as a new RN, but I have only worked 2 weeks (2 shifts total) off of orientation.

I worked as the second RN last night, which consisted of 4 admissions, assessing 14 patients and giving IV pushes (the LPNs did the med pass and took care of the patients). I had a new admit around 1 am and did not know they were NPO until later and I did not even think to ask. I picked up from watching other nurses that you always check before giving anything to eat or drink. I was having so much anxiety because I still had to chart on all the patients and I was administering blood to another patient (they were already on their 3rd unit) so my judgment was not where it should have been. The LPN had already brought them ice (so I was assuming that they were not NPO. That's what I get for assuming).

Anyways, my shift did not end until 7:30 that morning and it did not even hit me until I woke up this evening that I had let them have ice and they were NPO. I'm freaking out because I made a mistake like that and called the nursing supervisor who had worked that shift. They kind of giggled and said that giving them ice would actually be the "best" thing (as in least harmful mistake) to have accidentally given them since they were NPO. The patient was fine and to not worry about it.

I asked if this would be considered a write up or something like that and was told no, but it would be if it happened again.

Here is my actual question: Am I stupid for "telling on myself" by asking about something like this? I've already made "little" mistakes that I've caught and once I calm down I realize that these are small mistakes, although still mistakes, that I shouldn't worry so much about them. Is this normal to worry like this as a new RN? I'm beginning to wonder if nursing is right for me because I stress so much about everything.

[mpccrn, BSN, RN]

Let's face it, no one will beat us up better than ourselves when we make a mistake. A mistake is something we all strive NOT to ever do.....but it happens sometimes. Fessing up is the best action you can take after making a mistake. It gains you the respect of your boss and fellow staffmembers and you'll sleep better at night (or day). Attempting to cover up a mistake can only lead to more bad things. As you gain experience, you'll better judge the ramifications of the mistake you made. Hang in there.

[HeartRNBSN]

I have been a nurse going on 7 years and even teach some of our future nurses... there are still times I beat myself up after work because of something I should have maybe clarified or done more for a patient. In the end, we are all human and we all make the mistakes. With the demands of health care and patient acuity, it becomes increasingly hard to perform 100% for each and every patient. As nurses, we are "type A" by nature which tends to stress us out more! You did a commendable thing by calling in and being accountable for your actions and it does take courage to be an honest person sometimes. But remember, every moment is a learning experience!

[Darkfield]

I've been a nurse for about four years and I find myself making a lot of little mistakes, but you learn. I do stupid things, but I never do stupid things more than once.

If you break a rule, think about how important that rule is. The pt is supposed to be npo. Why? because they have a bowel obstruction? having a procedure? MIght or might not go to surgery? In any of those cases, I doubt a bit of ice is going to hurt things in the long run. Just keep swimming; you'll learn.