What is wrong with me?

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I am a senior nursing student. I'm in my clinical for pediatrics right now, and upon request my instructor let me have a day in the rehab unit, which happens to be the number one inpatient rehab unit for pediatrics in the U.S. I was taking care of a very complex, incredibly sweet and resilient little boy. I was trimming his nails and I cut his finger by accident. He didn't need stitches, but I made him cry. After all he has been through, I feel like an absolute piece. I have no idea why this happened. It wasn't supposed to happen. I keep thinking about it and crying. This poor little boy who has come so far and completely didn't deserve to be hurt. I don't know what to do. I've made minor mistakes before and have handled them well, but never on an innocent little toddler. Please someone tell me what to do next. I'm praying to God for this little boy and for how to handle this situation, and I know I will be a good nurse somehow, but I feel awful

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Just remember - you did NOT do it INTENTIONALLY!

Accidents happen.

Go easy on yourself.

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I cried when I gave a baby a hep B vaccine when I was in nursing school, because the baby cried. I felt like a monster. It's okay, you didn't mean to do it. I'm a mom as well as a nurse, and I'm telling you it will be OKAY. Stop flogging yourself. ((hug)) There's nothing wrong with you. You sound like a compassionate person.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I'm praying to God for this little boy and for how to handle this situation, and I know I will be a good nurse somehow, but I feel awful
I am so sorry this incident happened. The high level of empathy and concern you have seems to radiate from your post.

Nonetheless, your reaction seems over the top. The cut will heal. The majority of toddlers do not remember most of the cuts, scrapes, bruises and punctures they sustained during early childhood. I conjecture you are probably hurting more than this child based on the raw emotion you describe.

We all make mistakes. Hopefully you learn from this mistake to bounce back and strengthen your resolve to be the best you can be. Good luck to you!

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