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.
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.
sorry to hi jack but gr8rnpjt that's the most adorable photo.
I obviously thought you meant "chat" not chart. Also, I wasn't bashing or trying to hurt anyone, I simply said that I disagreed with you, that is all. It was just a misread post because of the typo-things happen.
i wish i could tell you that you won't have those days when you have more experience but i can't..i can tell you that they will not overwhelm you
write down on your report sheet what you need to do and check them off as yo do it...if you have missed something, do it as soon as practical and then chart it..
I know how you feel I actually did find another job with less patient load and I also got a bonus. I am ready to pay it back, I never signed a 1yr commitment but it was implied, I just hope they can just accept their money back and let me go. I have not put in my resgnation yet though, I don't know what I am waiting for even though I already have another job.
An update...they canned me today. In a way, I'm glad I'm out of there, but on the other hand, I wonder why they couldn't at least give me the digintiy of giving notice, not to mention it'll be that much harder finding another job now.
So I'm sitting there, making a list of hospitals and nursing homes to call and drowning my sorrow in coffee and chai tea.
Med errors are just that, errors. The best thing that can happen from one it that you walk away from the shift having learned something from a mistake or a particular situation. I have learned that discussing errors and "near misses" with co-workers helps everyone avoid future mistakes.
It doesn't sound to me that she made such a huge error that she needs to be fired!!! These kinds of errors happen all the time where I work and the bosses are very supportive because they know we are working with warped ratios. Our nurse manager did a shift and was crying at the end saying "OMG this is impossible". It's the government here that short staffs (at the end of the day) so our managers are helpless to help us, but they back us up.
Why the hell did they can her???? Mistakes happen. Med errors are worrying but the mistakes explained here don't sound like they are anything worse than what happens to most nurses from time to time.
First of all, calm down. You didn't do anything criminal. All nurses make mistakes. Your mistake was one of omission not the wrong drug or wrong dose. Although missing a medication can potentially do harm, it didn't. I've been a nurse for 31 years and I have a very good med safety record and can tell you I've made that same mistake more than once.
I think what one of the posters was trying to tell you is that you don't put in your charting that you forgot to give a dose of Lasix. Not that you don't report it to anyone just don't chart that you have a med error. Tell the charge nurse but don't chart it.
Chances are you'll find the same staffing ratio's no matter where you go. Try to tough it out and get yourself more organized. Ask some seasoned nurses how they stay organized. If you can hang in there until you have a years med/surg experience under your belt you'll be able to write your own ticket to other places. One doesn't have to be a med/surg nurse but you need that initial experience. It's invaluable.
Im so sorry for you! I think it is good you got out of there. I am also a new grad and I couldnt imagine being off orientation after 5 weeks. Safety should always be number 1 and them denying you more orientation time "bc they couldnt afford it" is bull. I mean just saying it outloud it sounds ridiculous! I work in an ICU and all my co workers are so helpful, if I were drowning they would be ther ein a second. My manager said to me the other day- dont worry even when you are off orientation you arent ever going to be alone. I was also told if I dont feel comfortable after my 12 week orientation is over that it would be no big deal to stay in orientation for awhile longer. I know as a new grad I have hung piggy backs before and accidentily forgotten to open the lock...the pt. got their meds a little late and my preceptor says, don't worry it happens all the time (its not the optimal situation but it isnt the end of the world)....We are human and new grads at that! Its all a learning experience and we shouldnt be expected to be perfect.
:bluecry1: 
medsurgnurse, RN
401 Posts
sorry to hi jack but gr8rnpjt that's the most adorable photo.