Let’s face it — nurses are human.
And being human means that sometimes… even with the best intentions, tight routines, and double-checking… mistakes happen.
Whether it’s a documentation error, a missed medication, or a miscommunication, the fear that comes after making a mistake can be overwhelming.
You might ask yourself:
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“Will I get fired?”
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“Did I harm someone?”
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“Am I even cut out for this job?”
Take a deep breath.
This post will walk you through what to do if you make a mistake at work — with honesty, integrity, and courage.
⚠️ 1. Prioritize Patient Safety — Immediately
If your mistake could potentially harm the patient, act right away.
Examples:
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Gave the wrong medication? Notify the charge nurse and doctor ASAP.
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Forgot to document a critical assessment? Correct it immediately.
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Missed a wound dressing? Address it or report it before the next nurse takes over.
🚨 Patient safety comes first — always. Fix what you can, fast and professionally.
📢 2. Report It Honestly and Promptly
No one enjoys admitting they made a mistake, especially in healthcare. But covering it up can:
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Endanger patients
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Jeopardize your license
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Break trust with your team
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Create bigger issues down the line
Instead, go to your charge nurse, supervisor, or appropriate manager and say something like:
“I need to report something important. I made a mistake and want to make sure the patient is safe and the correct steps are taken.”
Most facilities have a non-punitive error-reporting system. The sooner you report it, the better.
🧠Honesty now protects your patient and your professional integrity later.
✍️ 3. Document the Incident Accurately
If required, complete an incident or variance report. When documenting:
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Stick to the facts (no assumptions or emotional language)
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Include what happened, when, and what action was taken
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Avoid blaming others or defending yourself excessively
📋 Your words could be reviewed by quality teams or legal — be clear and professional.
🧠4. Reflect — But Don’t Spiral
After the adrenaline fades, the self-doubt might creep in:
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“I can’t believe I messed up.”
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“Everyone’s going to think I’m incompetent.”
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“What if I lose my license?”
Pause. Breathe. Reflect.
Ask yourself:
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What led to the error? (Fatigue? Distraction? Poor systems?)
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What could I do differently next time?
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What support do I need to prevent this in the future?
Remember: Reflection is growth. Rumination is self-punishment.
🌱 Every great nurse has made mistakes. What sets them apart is what they learn from them.
👥 5. Talk It Out and Seek Support
Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to:
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A trusted coworker
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Your preceptor or mentor
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A nurse educator or counselor
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A support group (online or local)
Mistakes can be emotionally heavy. Getting perspective and support can help you process and move forward with confidence.
🩵 You are not the first — and you won’t be the last. But you don’t have to carry it alone.
🚀 6. Turn the Mistake Into Momentum
Once the situation is handled:
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Review protocols or policies related to the mistake
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Consider additional training or review
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Share your story (safely and respectfully) to help others learn
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Stay humble and stay growing
✨ Sometimes your most powerful teaching moment starts with a mistake.
💬 Final Thoughts
Making a mistake at work — especially in nursing — can feel devastating.
But it doesn't define your career or your capability.
What does define you is how you respond:
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With honesty
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With professionalism
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With humility
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And with a deep commitment to do better next time
Remember: Even excellent nurses make mistakes. But exceptional nurses learn from them.
Have you ever made a mistake in your nursing career?
What helped you bounce back? Share your thoughts — you might help another nurse who’s struggling silently. 💬
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