So I just got done w/a maternity class and we were all waiting in line to give our "fake" IM injections with real needles. I had just drawn my "med" up and went to turn the needle and it popped out from between my fingers and flew in the direction of the instructor. I seriously feel like the biggest idiot ever. And, I just practiced the same injection for an hour and a half the day before without a single issue. I guess I just needed to vent. It took all I had not to burst into tears in front of the instructors and students and wait until I got to the safety of my car .
ErinRN2B 315 Posts Feb 18, 2011 The first time I was giving a fake injection with a real needle I gave an IM injection at 45 degrees instead of 90. Realized my mistake instantly but felt like a total moron - I'll never make that mistake again. At least it was a skills lab, not a real person.
kk83 98 Posts Feb 18, 2011 It just blows my mind because it was one of those freak things that hasn't ever happened and probably never will again. But of course, it had to happen in front of everyone. I sort of doubt anyone looks too highly on the girl who's syringe flew across the room =/.
seasoned hopeful 166 Posts Feb 19, 2011 My guess is that it could happen to anyone. Everyone gets a chance to look and feel like an idiot. It will be forgotten, hang in there.
kk83 98 Posts Feb 19, 2011 Thank you seasoned - that makes me feel better. It really does. The instructor was gracious about it, but I saw her nervousness as the syringe flew out of my hand (understandably). Ack - this semester has felt so much rougher than the first. Is this common? Thank you guys for making me feel better. It really helps
elkpark 14,633 Posts Feb 19, 2011 If that's the worst thing that happens to you in nursing school, you'll be in good shape! I don't think anyone gets through nursing school without having something inconsequential-but-mortifying happen ... Try to think of it as an opportunity to exercise your sense of humor and keep things in perspective. :)Best wishes!
sparklie.lady 158 Posts Specializes in CVSICU, Cardiac Cath Lab. Has 4 years experience. Feb 19, 2011 When I skill-checked on IM meds, I stuck myself. And it bled so badly that I couldn't finish in my allotted time!I felt like an idiot, too. And that's ok :) Just remember, anyone who has never goofed up is either imaginary or lying!
gpatry 82 Posts Feb 20, 2011 When I attempt to put myself in that situation, as being one of the people in the room watching you, I think I would just find it a funny freak occurence, rather than think less of you as an aspiring nurse. Don't sweat it, stuff like that happens to the best of us :)
Moogie 1 Article; 1,796 Posts Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education. Feb 21, 2011 I did something similar in skills lab---and I was the instructor! This stuff happens, especially when you're nervous. A nice, long cry can be helpful and cathartic. Don't beat yourself up over this. Just live and learn---and try to relax. You're going to be okay.
~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN 5,259 Posts Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics. Has 6 years experience. Feb 22, 2011 I have my share of "whoopsie" moments in Skills lab. Don't sweat it, you have to learn to laugh at yourself. I had a patient too one time that was just in a bad mood the whole time. Well end of my shift I tripped on his walker and flew across the room. He had a visitor and my co nurse was in the room too. SOOOOO Embarrassing. But you know what? He finally smiled and started laughing, like really laughing too, it was obviously more than just my fall, so all I could do is make a joke out of it.
kk83 98 Posts Feb 22, 2011 Seriously thank you guys so much! It makes me feel better to realize it wasn't the end of the world. I guess I'm just that type A person who over analyzes everything and I still can't figure out what the heck happened. I did it just as I normally would have in practice . I am trying to let it go and move on. Hearing all of your stories really does help me feel better! In nursing school it just always feels like I'm under a spotlight or a microscope and as a student I feel like I "can't" mess up or I'm going to be looked at terribly. I just hope the instructor doesn't totally hate me, since I'm sure I wouldn't be happy with a syringe airborne in my direction. I'm thinking about apologizing, even though it was a freak accident. I just want her to know I take even practice, very seriously and I would never have done anything to jeopardize anyone's safety.
