Really really screwed up....

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Last night I had one of those "night from hell" busy nights. 2 Admissions, 2 discharged, never less than 6 patients, a paracentesis drain and tube feeding running...

I forgot to give a Lasix IV. Then saw it later and forgot I hadn't given it and charted it. And in my hurry forgot to wipe a patient's skin with a prep before giving an insulin injection.

I feel like this hospital is creating overwhelming situations for me then smacking my hand when I make mistakes because I'm rushed and I'm new. Our average pt load in 6-7 on evening for a general med-surg unit.

I would quit but there is a complication. If I would I would owe back the 4k bonus I took. But quite frankly I feel like I will be fired before then anyway. I'm starting to think it'll be worth paying back to go to a different hospital.

I talk to my superviser on Monday about all this and I know it's not going to be good. I'm scared for my job and maybe even for my license.

:bluecry1: :bluecry1: :bluecry1:

Pendragon

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.

Am sorry to hear that, but never chart what you did not do, it is not a good practice, always do what's best for your patients, all the best

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Specializes in ICU, oncology/organ transplant.

First let me tell you that this type of night/day has happened to all of us and maybe i the norm, so don't let those fool you who act like this has never happened to them:saint: .

I do not agree with the previous poster who advised for you not to talk about your mistakes. They call them mistakes for a reason and people make them for a reason. A huge problem in nursing today is people covering up mistakes for fear of getting in trouble.

Are you a new grad? If so, you have not been prepared to take care of 6-7 patients-not your fault! You will learn to prioritize and know what can wait and what can't and how to use your time better.

Talk to your supervisor, see what she says. If you don't feel safe, then you aren't. No amount of money is worth misery or your license.

Good luck!

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"I feel like this hospital is creating overwhelming situations for me then smacking my hand when I make mistakes because I'm rushed and I'm new."

That was certainly my experience and seems to be pretty common, unfortunately. Do your best; if you don't feel it's safe, if your manager isn't satisfied with your progress, then you're best off leaving there. Some places aren't a good match.

If it comes to having to leave, ask about trying another unit. Sometimes the dynamics are different. But sometimes moving on is best. Or maybe things will smooth out where you're at. Good luck!

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Specializes in Case Management.

I would not be so quick to quit. That may make you look guilty when you are not...you had a bad day. We all do. and unfortunately, hospitals around the country are all understaffed. Anywhere you go it will not be very much better. You should stay, and when you talk to your supervisor explain about your busy day adn aplogize for what was done. Ask for some time management hints, and anything else she would advise to help you get everything done on time. make her your friend rather than your disciplinarian (spel?) ((((((((((hugs to you)))))))))))))) hope your next work day is better.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
Am sorry to hear that, but never chat what you did not do, it is not a good practice, always do what's best for your patients, all the best

Just wondering, was this to read "never chart" what you did not do?

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First let me tell you that this type of night/day has happened to all of us and maybe i the norm, so don't let those fool you who act like this has never happened to them:saint: .

I do not agree with the previous poster who advised for you not to talk about your mistakes. They call them mistakes for a reason and people make them for a reason. A huge problem in nursing today is people covering up mistakes for fear of getting in trouble.

Are you a new grad? If so, you have not been prepared to take care of 6-7 patients-not your fault! You will learn to prioritize and know what can wait and what can't and how to use your time better.

Talk to your supervisor, see what she says. If you don't feel safe, then you aren't. No amount of money is worth misery or your license.

Good luck!

I think that was a typo. I think she meant "Chart" not "Chat"

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.
First let me tell you that this type of night/day has happened to all of us and maybe i the norm, so don't let those fool you who act like this has never happened to them:saint: .

I do not agree with the previous poster who advised for you not to talk about your mistakes. They call them mistakes for a reason and people make them for a reason. A huge problem in nursing today is people covering up mistakes for fear of getting in trouble.

Are you a new grad? If so, you have not been prepared to take care of 6-7 patients-not your fault! You will learn to prioritize and know what can wait and what can't and how to use your time better.

Talk to your supervisor, see what she says. If you don't feel safe, then you aren't. No amount of money is worth misery or your license.

Good luck!

You are totally blowing my comment out of proportion, all I said that she should not chart what she did not do, and I think this is the right thing that a prudent nurse should do, we are on here to help each other out not to ridiculed each other and bring down, this board has an excellent standing for it;s members, to be very helpful, not to bring down any one, please peace please.

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Specializes in Clinical exp in OB, psy, med-surg, peds.
Just wondering, was this to read "never chart" what you did not do?
Yes hun this is what I meant, sorry for the typo, but you have good understanding, God bless.
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Specializes in cardiac med-surg.

sorry to hear about such a rotten shift

good luck in the future

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ER.

Hang in there Pendragon! We all have shifts where we drive home trying to remember every little thing because we KNOW we didn't do something, forgot something, forgot to tell someone something. I know I've called work a few times on the drive home to tell the day nurse, "oh by the way...".

Agree with the folks above - talk to your manager, tell her about the rough day and ask for advice on how to remember things while in the whirlwind, how to manage your time, etc. You should have gotten some advice on orientation, but I know that's catch-as-catch-can nowadays.

Takes a little while for a new nurse to find their "rhythm". Their "way" of organizing that works for them. It'll come. Try out different peoples' methods until you find one that adapts well to your style.

And keep your chin up - the first few months are the very worst!

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First of all, Thanks everyone for their advice and support.

Second of all, I've been a new nurse for about six months so I feel I should be beyond mistakes like this. But I was off orientation 5 weeks after getting hired. 2 days after getting my license. I asked to be put back on orientation as I did feel ready yet, but was told they could not afford it.

9/10 times I deliver great nursing care, but my management never sees those 9 good, only the 1 bad.

I'm asked also before about time management help but was told that I should know what I need to know by now.

I really fear for my license on this floor. I'm going to own up to the mistake on Monday, no worries about that. That was my fault and I'll fall on the sword for it. But I also think they are creating a minefield for the nurses here to blow themselves up on.

I'm also looking into other hospitals. I cannot see myself staying here another year.

PD

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