Total nursing failure. Don't judge. I am a totally incompetent nurse

[allycat49]

I started doing basic nursing training course and did voluntary training in an aged care facility. I was bathing the residents feeding them. I tried and totally stuffed up. It was confronting, nerve wracking and I did not have the physical strength and endurance. I left after the 6th day. I made mistakes which made others uncomfortable and awkward and harmed others. I was expected to hit the ground running and wiped a lady's bottom too hard and caused injury and was so nervous and confronted I made a lady cry and shake of of fear. I am not suitable and feel totally like a failure. Can anyone relate? How come others can do it and I can't.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

First, don't be so hard on yourself! When you are starting to learn a job/task, of course you will make mistakes. Examine what you did wrong, vow not to make the same mistake again and go one. I'm going to move this to the general nursing forum for more answers. Take care.

[Wave Watcher]

You already have one of the qualities of a good nurse. You are able to recognize and admit the areas where you need improvement. You are not pointing fingers at someone else, you are concerned for your patients safety. There are many licensed nurses who do not have this ability but continue to practice and pat themselves on the back for doing a great job and who continue to blame others for their mistakes and continue to put their patients at risk.

So, don't judge your own self.......take a step back....deep breath. Nursing may not be for you......but you are worthy and deserving of a job you love.

Hugs and keep on moving forward!

[RNperdiem, RN]

Oh, but others have failed. They just don't advertise their failures; it is not something we talk about among ourselves except in an annonomyous forum.

You are not alone.

Just yesterday, my manager took me to her office to discuss a patient I took care of, and by the end of the day I was talking with the legal department. Did I fail that patient through poor nursing judgement? Yes, I take responsibility for my failings and plan to improve my performance. There are some mistakes I will never make again.

The hardest part is picking yourself up, getting over the discouragement.

Incompetence can be overcome.

I wish you the best of luck in the future.

[Elladora]

Sounds to me like nerves and negative self talk are getting the better of you. You are aware of what you need to work on and best of all, not afraid to admit it. Now instead of saying that makes you a failure, take this as an opportunity to improve. You CAN do this, don't give up.

I think a huge part of the problem is this "I was expected to hit the ground running." Lack of training does not make you an incompetent nurse, it makes you someone that has a learning opportunity. Don't do anything until you are moderately comfortable with it. If you are unsure, ask questions. Never be afraid to say "hey hold on, I need a little extra time on this." And please consider working on your self confidence. (Easier said than done, I know).

I wish you the best of luck. Please don't let this experience damage you or your self esteem.