Stupid med error

[Nurse4God]

Hey All, I am a fairly new nurse and a Christian. I had a stupid med error, which I am feeling so bad over. I can't seem to shake it. I have been a nurse for a little over 4 years and have had probably three or four med errors that were very minor dealing with time. This med error as of late was wrong route. I was over worked (working my second double in one week, two days apart) and very tired. I work agency and the paper work at this facility was tremendous. I told my boss I didn't want to work there anymore and he couldn't find anyone to work it, so I said I would. I am very embarrassed to say I put ear drops in a patients eyes. I feel so dumb that I want to just give up nursing. This was totally my fault, because of my hurrying and not paying attention. I keep re-living what I did over and over, asking myself why did I do something so stupid? I still see the man in pain. I feel like a total failure as a nurse. What kind of a nurse does something this stupid? I have worked in alot more stressful situations than this and I still cannot believe I did this. I told the nurse I was working with what I did, and she told me not to worry about it and nothing else was said. But I do worry about it. I am afraid the agency will not want me working for them anymore. I am so sick of the overload. All I ever wanted to do was help people heal and show compassion. I hardly ever get to show compassion because of time management. I get frustrated with the patients. I am constantly praying for strength and to do what's right. The paper work is a lie and repetitive. I generally have to stay two hours over at this one facility to do the paper work in an honest manner so I can live with myself and face God. Other nurses tell me to do what they do and just copy the notes before them and I can't do it, because it is dishonest. I keep thinking how would I like it if someone put ear drops in my little granny's eyes. I feel so down. I use to think I was a pretty good nurse and a fast learner. My past supervisors always complimented me on learning fast and my patients in the past always sent me cards thanking me for the wonderful care. Now, I feel like a looser. Can the board take my license for this med error??? I want to hide my head in shame.

Thanks for listening.

[lovewhatIdo]

Barbpick

You are right-Religion has nothing to do with the human tendancy to make errors (in this case, a med error).

That bieng said, I wonder if nurse4god was sharing about her bieng a Christian from the standpoint of, "this is who I am, and this is where my value/belief system is rooted as a part of helping to explain where she was coming from in dealing with the med error entirely. For her, on a emotional, mental, spiritual, and ethical realm. Nurse4god had wrote about other nurses in her facility that copied the previous nurses notes. Then she stated she couldn't do it (her value system). And no, I am not suggesting that only Christians have value systems-everyone does.

Sometimes, I find it easier and practical to talk with a female when I am dealing with "female" issues, or a parent who has been through parenting experiences when I need help with those things. I wonder if nurse4 god was trying to get a more "rounded" experience by sharing the fact that she was not only a nurse, but a christian and to get imput, not only from nurses, but from christian nurses too. Just like I could talk to anyone who knows or works with kids about parenting, but it is different when I talk to people who are parents themselves.

Peace

LovewhatIdo

[carcha]

Yes, I agree, I think our colleague was just telling us, Hey, I couldent harm anyone. I dont feel this was a religious statement at all. Obviously she was upset and trying to sort herself out. Be nice u lot.

[LauraLou]

While mentioning religion when discussing nursing issues may seem unnecessary and even inappropriate to some, for others the two are deeply intertwined. Those people who see nursing and religion as very separate issues can simply provide support as a fellow nurse. Those who share someone's beliefs can offer support from that perspective.

As others have said, there is so much hate and intolerance in this world. It would be a much better place if everyone respected each other's beliefs and refrained from judging others by their own belief system.

Best wishes to all.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Originally posted by LauraLou

While mentioning religion when discussing nursing issues may seem unnecessary and even inappropriate to some, for others the two are deeply intertwined. Those people who see nursing and religion as very separate issues can simply provide support as a fellow nurse. Those who share someone's beliefs can offer support from that perspective.

As others have said, there is so much hate and intolerance in this world. It would be a much better place if everyone respected each other's beliefs and refrained from judging others by their own belief system.

Best wishes to all.

For those people there is a wonderful thread that has been thriving for awhile-it's called "We are Christian Nurses" I think that if one wants to discuss nursing in that context then that thread is the appropriate place to do so...I don't understand why the statement was made and so I can only assume its meaning.....the originator of the thread could step in at anytime and let us know what he or she meant.....

[verock]

I think we all know how you feel! Just last week the doc order two antibiotics for an ER pt who was scheduled for a c-section w/in the hour. This pt was such a hard stick, and finally when we did get an IV going it was infusing so slow that I had time to just hang one antibiotic. Few mins. later the doctor is asking to transfer the pt. to the OR, and asking if the pt. received both antibiotiics- I told the doc. the situation--was understanding but I felt like an idiot and though the worst...This probably ruined my whole week!

[Nurse4God]

Hey All. I have been away for a couple of days. Came back to some threads that I feel I must clarify. My statements of being a Christian was to let you guys know who and what I am all about, to better understand my feelings and what I was going through. I have found that nurses above all other human beings are very tolerant of fellow human beings different cultures and beliefs. This may or may not have anything to do with what we have been taught in school. Our tolerance may come from what is within us that guided us to nursing to begin with. Who Knows? The point is I needed to express my whole experience with you. I not only needed to get professional feedback, but I needed to get feedback from other Christian nurses. I got both and enjoyed it deeply. I do not feel I or any other Christian nurse on this board went over-board. I personally feel Christianity and nursing are intertwined, as another nurse suggested. I will not debate this with any of you unless I am pushed into the issue, but I am prepared to debate this. I have done alot of research on the historical aspect of spirituality and nursing. I am a firm believer in holistic healing. I feel that some individuals (not only nurses) in our country are trying to suppress Christians and make them feel bad for acknowledging their faith or they become touchy and defensive about it. I am not ashamed of who I am. I am not ashamed to talk about it. I may not belong here because I will defend Jesus in a heart beat to any one, just like he comes to my defense with my Father in Heaven. Thanks for the support and best wishes to everyone. Remember President Bush is in full support of helping us nurses, so please, I urge you guys to make a donation today,like I have, to his campaign fund. I love and appreciate all of you, regardless of your faith. God Bless You. Nurse4God.