What can I do to improve?

[RoyalNurse]

Hi, I've been a nurse for a little over a year, and the clinical side is becoming easier (I'm a CCRN!), but sometimes I just can't seem to "get it together". I made two med errors in the last two weeks, not wrong patient/wrong med errors, but wrong dose. I still miss orders sometimes, I just don't seem to naturally have the brain for this kind of work.

I take Vitamin B shots (the drink), caffeine, I play BrainAge on my days off. But I just feel sedated at work sometimes. I like nursing, like the patients, it keeps me interested, but I just don't have the "steel trap" mind like some of my coworkers.

Anyway, is this another thing that improves with experience, or does anyone have any suggestions?

[lpnflorida]

I no longer rely just on my memory. Once upon a time I remembered with ease. Now I write things down on my so called brains I carry with me. It especially helps when I am tired and just can't see to pull the information out of my brain.

Seriously, sometimes sensory overload is the problem , having to juggle so many things at once. I do suggest writing little reminders down for yourself. When tired, being more diligent than usual. I also carry 2 pairs of reading glasses , as I noticed if I am tired my eyes have more difficulty with the small lettering and number on the medication packaging.

[tryingtohaveitall]

My 2c is that I think it'll get easier. Obviously, you know your stuff or you wouldn't have passed your CCRN already. (Congrats!) It will get easier when things become more routine. I'm sure you've noticed this already. It's good that you're attune to the med errors and hopefully that was just a little "blip" when you had a few bad days.

Make sure you're getting your rest, try not to stress and double check with a 2nd nurse any time you aren't sure or have questions. Otherwise, hang in there! A year really isn't a very long time. Sometimes I can't believe how much I still don't know and I've been doing this for 19+ years! :>)