What's the worst nursing mistake you've done or seen someone else do?

[AnnG_]

Hi wise and wonderful Nurses!

I'm hoping to be accepted into a BSN program for the Spring 2018. I know I shouldn't think too far ahead, but I am already worried that I'll graduate, and make a mistake that'll get me fired. I believe that I can learn from other's mistakes, so I'm wondering if any of you would be willing to share some of the worst mistakes you done or seen someone else do? Thanks in advance!!

[JerseyTomatoMDCrab, BSN]

Nursing school is scary enough without worrying about what comes after.

[YumCookies, BSN, RN]

It looks like you've had some great responses already! If you are concerned about making mistakes, I have a few tips:

1) Don't underestimate your medication checks! Especially if it is a high alert drug.

2) If you work on a floor on telemetry, PLEASE be attentive and respond to your alarms. If your patient gets super tachy/brady or has some sort of rhythm change, check on your patient ASAP. There was an incident at my workplace (different unit) where a patient whose heart rate was in the 30s for 45 minutes and no one caught it until the patient eventually coded (she did not make it). It is literally a matter of life or death!