Very upset and depressed...almost got fired

caliotter3 · Apr 21, 2009

Have you thought about a change of environment? Start looking on your own and move on while the getting is good. Sounds like this place is about worn out as far as you are concerned. Good luck.

jm394, RN, CRNA · Apr 21, 2009

I think that we should be measured by how well we learn from our mistakes, not whether or not we make them in the first place. Because we all make mistakes. I'm sure your DON knows this if she's been a manager for any amount of time. Stay strong and try to remind yourself of all the things you do RIGHT each day, not the one thing you did wrong. Anyways, you'll probably NEVER make that mistake again now that you've had such a terrible time of it!

Good luck.

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Apr 21, 2009

good heaven's you are only human. i understand her concern , but it was a innocent mistake and we all do them. you think this would have been stressed in a inservice or somewhere in the break room , "no admits on weekends".

just move on from this and try not to think about it. forgive yourself...

Straydandelion · Apr 21, 2009

The only thing that would concern me is what OTHER policies that you aren't aware of, IMO that was an honest mistake and not life-threatening. Is there a P&P book you can review?

HappyBunnyNurse · Apr 21, 2009

I agree you definitely need to see policies in writing. Who knows what else they aren't telling you? Don't feel bad, you can't help what you aren't informed about!

achot chavi · Apr 21, 2009

I make mistakes every day and try to learn from them,

Forgive yourself, your DON probably has already. If she didn't fire you it is a sign that your worth is greater than this mistake.

You are an amazing nurse who is an important part of your team and much needed. Don't quit, the grass wont be greener elsewhere.

I agree that you should go over your facilities policies.

With all questions and doubts, call the DON or ADON (get their permission first so it wont look like you are just bothering them) until you feel more comfortable .

Have patience with yourself. Ironically I bet you are a forgiving person who would have no problem forgiving a coworker a mistake!!

3boysmom3 · Apr 21, 2009

Wow, the people who were working with you were so mean-spirited that even though they almost certainly knew the policy, they didn't speak up? That's a shame.

Was the patient that you admitted injured in any way as a result of being admitted? I assume not, as you don't mention any harm done- so don't be so hard on yourself. Lesson learned, shame on them for giving a less than thorough orientation, and just be happy that it wasn't something that had a bad outcome.

I'm a nurse manager in a clinic, and if one of the nurses makes a mistake because she wasn't told the proper way to do it, I will figure that I am the one responsible, right???

Don't beat yourself up. Stuff happens. I've learned a few painful lessons in my years. (if you have another conference with your NM, you might ask her if the staff you were working with know of the policy, and then let her know- not as a tattletale, just to make a point- that it would have been helpful if your coworkers had let you in on the policy.)

Ms.RN · Apr 21, 2009

hospital didnt call the admission director? usually hospitals have to talk to an admissions person and have to be okayed by her before patient can be admitted due to insurance issues and medical problems etc. when a case manager from the hospital calls, i always give case mangers phone number of admission director and they are the one to inform nurses whether or not patient will be admitted.

Jo Dirt · Apr 21, 2009

For one thing, what kind of stone-aged place is this that doesn't have provisions in place to allow weekend admissions?

For another thing, the facility needs to blame itself if it didn't go over this policy, what else have they not told you? Handing you an employee handbook and telling you to read it doesn't get them off the hook. We have a woman who handles all the employee orientation and she goes through the whole handbook with new employees to make sure there are no questions.

You made an honest mistake, it wasn't a mistake because of incompetence on your part. If I could be there I'd take up for you. There are enough things to get down about without letting this one add to it. I don't think it was your fault.

txredheadnurse, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2009

I agree with the other posters to not be so hard on yourself. I defy anyone to declare in this or any other forum that they have never made a mistake in their nursing career. Heavens knows I have pulled a doozy or two in my time.

Having said that I am curious as to how this facility is licensed and passing state survey without access to a 24/7 pharmacy? In my neck of the woods a long term care ICF or SF has to have 24/7 pharmacy access or they can't pass survey. Makes one go hmmm, what other vital things have been omitted from your employee orientation if such a significant issue as admission policies has not been shared with a charge nurse?

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2009

How is it that you did not know this important policy and you were in charge? I would think this would be part of your orientation. You can't know what you're not taught. This is, IMO, a facility blunder.