ugh,,,very discouraged

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SO yesterday was my first clinical day of my second semester of nursing school and I am pretty sure I got a U. The reason I say might be given a U is because I screwed up a med pass. It all started in the med room where I was giving 2 iv pushes. I was checked off on IV meds the day before in lab and giving them the very next day. So I get to the med room and everything is fine other then my nerves cause I cant work the omnicell. I go to remove my meds and my med isn't on the screen. I wrote the name brand down not the generic:crying2:. So I have to re-look it up then re-pull my meds. Then I draw up my meds and completely slipped my mind I needed tape after that I was sooo stressed and upset I couldn't concentrate. My instructor told me its a U for not having tape she told me if my next med pass goes well I can redeem myself and not get a U. Ive never had a U and never been so upset over hearing those words. Even when I got in the room I forgot the check for name and DOB which i NEVER DO..ahhh i just wanted to crawl in a hole. This was my first clinical day with my new instructor and I felt like I started on a bad note all I kept thinking was she probably thinks I had no business moving up from Nursing1. I had a B in nursing1 I'm pulling a high B in nursing 2. I guess I'm just disappointed in myself. I'm not sure if I got my U or not I did complete a IVPB later that morning and I did way better but honestly I feel I deserve the U. Has anybody else been in this situation and if so how did you handle it? After lunch I feel like I was back to normal but the feeling of not knowing where anything is and passing meds at the same time got the best of me:uhoh3:

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I was feeling really discouraged about 5 years ago during my clinical rotations in an LVN/LPN program. I made the mistake of applying a tracheostomy tie too snugly around the patient's neck. The patient became pale, and I was written up by my clinical instructor. The clinical instructor had wanted to fail me for this incident, but she instead gave me the lowest possible passing score for clinical rotations.

All I can say is that things do become more graceful with time. Even after 5 years, I still become nervous when exposed to situations that are new or novel to me. Whatever you do, please do not allow this incident to lower your spirits. Take personal responsibility and use your mistakes as learning experiences. Many people stumble before they succeed.

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Specializes in NICU.

Don't get discouraged! Seriously, this has happened to so many nursing students! I know it's upsetting and you're frustrated with yourself! but you will move on from this experience a better nurse. I promise. I'm pretty sure you will NEVER make that mistake again because it is now ingrained into your head of what to do. It's okay! This does not mean you are going to be a bad nurse for the rest of your life.

Take a deep breath, and move on to the next day!

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Specializes in ER, ED.

I'm guessing a "U" is the equivalent of "clinical warning" in my nursing program. Last semester (my 3rd in a 4 semester program), I was pulling my meds for one of my two patients. It was only my 3rd week in this hospital, and they use a different Pyxis machine than what I was used to. On the screen, there is a spot where the ordered dosage appeared (ie 500mg) and then in another spot, how the med comes (ie 250mg). I was going quickly and thought that the ordered dose was what the med came as, so I just grabbed 1 tab instead of 2. I was about to do my 2nd check against the EMAR when my instructor came up to check my meds so I could give them. She asked if something looked off and I realized my mistake. I got a clinical warning for this and at the time, I was really upset. However, I decided to take the warning for what it is - a warning. Ever since, I am EXTREMELY careful when taking meds out and am super cautious when checking my meds.

Now, I know that this type of this can "rattle" you, especially on your first day with a new instructor. My advice to you, if you do get a "U", is to talk to your instructor and say that you understand your mistakes, and you will learn from it and not do it again. Try to not let it get you down (easier said than done, I know!) Take a deep breath and good luck!!

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SO yesterday was my first clinical day of my second semester of nursing school and I am pretty sure I got a U. The reason I say might be given a U is because I screwed up a med pass. It all started in the med room where I was giving 2 iv pushes. I was checked off on IV meds the day before in lab and giving them the very next day. So I get to the med room and everything is fine other then my nerves cause I cant work the omnicell. I go to remove my meds and my med isn't on the screen. I wrote the name brand down not the generic:crying2:. So I have to re-look it up then re-pull my meds. Then I draw up my meds and completely slipped my mind I needed tape after that I was sooo stressed and upset I couldn't concentrate. My instructor told me its a U for not having tape she told me if my next med pass goes well I can redeem myself and not get a U. Ive never had a U and never been so upset over hearing those words. Even when I got in the room I forgot the check for name and DOB which i NEVER DO..ahhh i just wanted to crawl in a hole. This was my first clinical day with my new instructor and I felt like I started on a bad note all I kept thinking was she probably thinks I had no business moving up from Nursing1. I had a B in nursing1 I'm pulling a high B in nursing 2. I guess I'm just disappointed in myself. I'm not sure if I got my U or not I did complete a IVPB later that morning and I did way better but honestly I feel I deserve the U. Has anybody else been in this situation and if so how did you handle it? After lunch I feel like I was back to normal but the feeling of not knowing where anything is and passing meds at the same time got the best of me:uhoh3:

I agree, take responsibility and move forward.

I'm curious though, what would you need tape for in an IVP?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I'm guessing a "U" is the equivalent of "clinical warning" in my nursing program.
I would assume that "U" means "unsatisfactory performance," which would be an outright failing clinical grade in many schools of nursing.
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Specializes in ER, ED.
I agree, take responsibility and move forward.

I'm curious though, what would you need tape for in an IVP?

My guess is to label the syringes after she had drawn them up? ( I was wondering this, too...)

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Look at this way, you can redeem yourself. This isn't the end and you aren't the only one to screw up a med pass. You WILL do better next time. :)

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My guess is to label the syringes after she had drawn them up? ( I was wondering this, too...)

Hmmm...could be, we have labels we put on a flush if we've added meds to it.

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I agree, take responsibility and move forward.

I'm curious though, what would you need tape for in an IVP?

We use the tape to label our meds so if we are giving more then one med we dont get them mixed up Due to the fact some pushes require it to be given over 5min where others maybe only 1 min. It makes sense I sure wouldnt want to push a med within one minute when it says give over 5 min yikes.....So yeah I completly understand why and what i did wrong :(

thank you everyone who shared their stories it helps to know Im not the only one that has made mistakes

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