The 411 on errors...???

[iheartcells]

I'm a nursing school hopeful, still hoping and crossing my fingers to be accepted, but am looking at a few of the threads here on errors and mistakes & am a little nervous....

I already have experience in the clinical setting (laboratory), and understand well the importance of consistent and competent patient care and quality work....with that said, I've never had to work with dying/combatant/confused/etc patients, reporting to doctors (other than lab reports), etc...I know my previous job is just as important in patient care, just such a new animal in a lot of ways, how did you make it through the first year as a new nurse post nursing school??

Thanks!!!!

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Tip:

Because you have previously played a role of some sort in healthcare prior to your nursing education, do not ever assume that you already know it all, or already "get it."

Pay attention in class, learn your boundaries and do not vary beyond those boundaries simply because you've "been there, done that."

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

You focus on doing the best job you can. You are going to make mistakes. none who says they haven't is lying. Be honest when you make a mistake and reflect on why it happened. I work in a "blameless" environment where there are not repercussions for mistakes. (i am sure that is if constant and involved a sentinel event there would be some remedial action). You will learn more than you can absorb. Do the best you can and keep asking questions

[iheartcells]

I'm asking for advice because I know I could make a huge error, but definitely don't want to do that!

If I made it sound as though I'm now a "know it all" (laughs) I'm certainly not! :)

While I totally understand that you'd feel anger against someone that assumes they've "been there, done that" (they're dangerous), I actually am saying that I do not trust myself too fully!

It is because I know how it feels after a stupid mistake is made (horrible) and how it feels to hit it out of the park (awesome), and the difference can come down to paying attention the smallest detail.-I am asking for advice to guard against errors, after all....

Also, I do own that errors are definitely possible for me in my next career, even though my last job went well most of the time. Rather than thinking of my question as "proof if insulation" please understand my question comes from care of the job I'll do in my next profession.

My past experience overall, I can and am proud of, though-however NOT perfect.

Can't you say the same of your career?

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

Moved to pre nursing forum