It has always been instilled in us that the field of Nursing tolerates no errors; that flawless execution is crucial because we’re handling the most precious thing: HUMAN LIFE. Yet, it’s important to remember that nurses, regardless of their rational thought process and actions, are simply humans. They are susceptible to making occasional mistakes. Here are some fail-safe guidelines to arm nurses with the essential knowledge to prevent nursing errors.
Ignoring Yourself
Nursing is a field that commonly appeals to individuals endowed with a deep empathy. While this empathetic ability is crucial for patient interactions, it can sometimes lead to neglecting one’s needs. It’s all too easy to become so involved in the emotional experiences and personal narratives of the patients and families you care for, to the extent that these concerns continue to monopolize your thoughts even during your personal time with family after an exhausting 12-hour shift.
Whether it’s a refreshing three-mile jog or a relaxing half-hour spent lost in the latest novel from your beloved author, dedicate time to activities that bring pleasure and rejuvenation. Devise a plan for wholesome meals and ensure you have sufficient time to savor them.
A nurse who isn’t emotionally and physically robust will find it hard to deliver the best possible care to patients. This principle also applies to cultivating relationships within your nursing team. Approaching work enthusiastically and maintaining a positive demeanor will help build rapport with colleagues, rather than contributing to a mood of fatigue and negativity.
Failing to Keep Abreast of Medical Progressions
In the healthcare sector, some practitioners may not give enough importance to continuing education. Unfortunately, relying solely on initial training and qualifications is not adequate for a thriving career in healthcare. Overlooking the need for continuous learning could result in professional stagnation and a lack of knowledge about new advancements in the field. This could potentially lead to less than optimal patient care and the perception of being a less proficient provider.
Give importance to hybrid ABSN programs for those considering a career as an RN. These programs offer the convenience of online learning while also providing hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for real-life nursing environments.
Imposter Syndrome
Nurses dealing with “impostor” syndrome frequently encounter feelings of inefficacy and ongoing skepticism about their proficiency and clinical capabilities. This syndrome prompts a continuous sense of inferiority, causing them to incessantly question whether they are sufficiently qualified or intelligent for their role.
It leads to doubting oneself and the education acquired during nursing school, eroding confidence in one’s own abilities as a teacher and the value of the nursing education received. This state of doubt only obstructs their professional development in healthcare environments.
Lack of a Well-Structured Employee Absenteeism Plan
Discussing the topic of employee call-offs, it’s inevitable in any healthcare organization despite efforts to minimize them. Unforeseen circumstances such as illnesses, vehicle breakdowns, and pressing personal matters can lead to staff absences. While preventing these situations is largely unfeasible, organizations can regain some control by implementing a reliable plan for such occurrences.
Instead of contacting an extensive list of employees, have a pre-selected group ready to take on additional shifts, preferably without triggering overtime. This group may comprise part-time staff open to more hours but not ready to transition to full-time employment. When these individuals are unavailable, the natural inclination might be to lean on dependable full-time employees who regularly step in during crises.
Medication Problems
Unintentionally dispensing the wrong medication or dosage is a frequent blunder by novice nurses. Such medication mishaps can detrimentally affect patients, as their health directly correlates with their medication intake. Lessen these types of errors in the healthcare profession.
One strategy to prevent this common error is maintaining concentration while administering medication. Thoroughly examining prescriptions and charts can help you accurately interpret the information, ensuring the correct dosage.
Endnote
The nursing profession is vast, yet operates within a close-knit community, making it crucial to consistently deliver top-notch performance. Any infraction could potentially haunt a nurse, resulting in the termination or irreversible harm to an otherwise flourishing career.
