Things you learned the hard way? (funny)

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I'm sure we all have many stories to tell on ourselves how we learned something the hard way.

The first one for me was learning that it's not a good idea to squat down to a little boy's level when you're assisting him with a urinal. Also, that leaving a gown down as a 2nd barrier isn't a bad idea either. :lol2:

Good thing urine's sterile, right?

Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Don't ever ever leave naked babies naked for a millisecond longer than you have to.

And don't turn them around so they face you while you're burping them. A couple clothing changes later, I finally figured that one out....

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.

I have a bad habit of throwing away carpujects. So I always just draw the medication up.

Do not inject air into a carpuject cartridge. Morphine is very, very stinky.

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.
I have a bad habit of throwing away carpujects. So I always just draw the medication up.

Do not inject air into a carpuject cartridge. Morphine is very, very stinky.

HA! I was about to post the same experience, but with zofran. I learned that you can actually shoot the ceiling with it! I was happy to do that in front of an inattentive patient.

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Specializes in PICU.

I'm not sure how many can appreciate this one, but don't FORCE too much air into a bottle of Mannitol. (We haven't used bottles of Mannitol in a very long time, just for the record. ;) ) When the top blows, you will be covered in white crystals, lol!

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.
HA! I was about to post the same experience, but with zofran. I learned that you can actually shoot the ceiling with it! I was happy to do that in front of an inattentive patient.

I was drawing the morphine up for an actively dying resident, while the daughter stood a the nurses' station crying and watching me. Fortunately it provided some much needed comic relief.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Mucomyst does not make a good cologne. Use caution when injecting air into the bottle before drawing.

Double check that ALL clamps are closed before spiking that blood.

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Specializes in Acute Care.
Mucomyst does not make a good cologne. Use caution when injecting air into the bottle before drawing.

Double check that ALL clamps are closed before spiking that blood.

I agree about the mucomyst. The only time I've ever given it, is when its ordered PO. I have no idea how people drink that crap.

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Specializes in OB.

I probably should have posted this in the "bra" thread, but I learned NEVER to wear front snap scrubs around laboring women. When that contraction hit, she grabbed a handful of fabric and yanked - letting all and sundry observe that this nurse DOES wear proper undergarments!

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Specializes in Rehab, Infection, LTC.

it doesnt matter how cute a confused, agitated little old lady is...STAY AN ARMS LENGTH AWAY!

just ask the side of my head, lol

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.
I learned recently that even FSBS can spray blood at you. Luckily my face was not in the line of fire but it shot up my arm and left upper chest.

I had stuck this lady quite a few times and always had to milk the finger.

Go figure.

When those bleed too easily it's a good idea to check to see if they are on blood thinners, check platlets, etc...

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Specializes in NICU.

That there is adhesive on ostomy bags, but they only work if they are actually exposed to the patient. And I was so proud of myself for having placed my first ostomy bag, LOL.....:rolleyes:

Fortunately, it was on a neonate and not someone much bigger :).

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Specializes in Corrections, Cardiac, Hospice.

Have someone hold the arms of that sweet little ole confused lady before you give a rectal suppository. You may very well end up with scars on your arms.

When pulling up solumedrol, pull the syringe out of the plunger AWAY from your face. Contacts can absorb solumedrol but the must be taken out and thrown away.

No matter how good of a job you think you have done, someone will complain about you forgetting something.

If you feel you have given horrible care to a patient because of the needy jerk in the bed next door, the patient that took all your time will complain about you to the manager. The neglected patient will give you a hug at the end of your shift and tell you what an angel you are.:rolleyes:

Never think that you can get just "one more" wear out of your old uniform pants. They WILL rip right down the middle when you least expect it.

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