Hey there, nurse extraordinaire! Whether you're a brand new grad or a seasoned pro with a color-coded planner, nursing is a career that demands precision, patience, and a healthy dose of humor. But let’s face it — nobody’s perfect. We’re all human, and nursing mistakes happen. The good news? Most of them are totally preventable if you know what to watch out for.
This guide is here to shine a light on some of the most common nursing mistakes, complete with practical tips on how to avoid them. So, grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s make sure you’re ready for whatever your next shift throws at you.
Avoid These 15 Common Nursing Mistakes
No matter how experienced you are, nursing mistakes can sneak up on you. But don’t worry — awareness is half the battle. Below, we’ve rounded up the most common nursing mistakes along with simple, actionable strategies to avoid them. Stay alert, stay sharp, and keep these missteps off your shift to be the best nurse you can be.
1. Medication Errors
It is one of the most well-known nursing mistakes, and for good reason. From administering the wrong dosage to giving meds at the wrong time, medication mishaps can have serious consequences.
How to Avoid It:
- Follow the "Five Rights of Medication Administration" — right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, and right route.
- Double-check orders and prescriptions, especially if something feels "off."
- Avoid distractions during medication passes. Interruptions are a leading cause of mistakes.
2. Charting Errors
If it is not charted, it didn’t happen—at least, that’s how the medical world views it. Mistakes in documentation can lead to liability issues and affect patient care.
How to Avoid It:
- Chart in real time whenever possible.
- Double-check your entries before hitting "save."
- Avoid copying and pasting notes, as it can lead to outdated or inaccurate information.
3. Patient Identification Mistakes
Calling Mrs. Smith "Mrs. Jones" is not only embarrassing but also risky. Incorrect patient identification can lead to the wrong treatments or medications being given.
How to Avoid It:
- Use two patient identifiers every single time, such as name and date of birth.
- Check wristbands before administering care or medication.
4. Infection Control Lapses
No one wants to be "that nurse" who’s blamed for spreading germs. Poor hand hygiene or improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can lead to infections.
How to Avoid It:
- Wash your hands. Yes, even if you’re in a rush.
- Use PPE properly, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.
- Follow all facility protocols for infection control to prevent the spread of germs.
5. Miscommunication with the Healthcare Team
Clear communication is key, especially in a field where "stat" means "now." Miscommunication can lead to delays, errors, and frustrated team members.
How to Avoid It:
- Practice active listening during shift reports and team huddles.
- Ask for clarification if something isn’t clear.
- Use "read-back" techniques to ensure orders are understood correctly.
6. Patient Falls
It’s heartbreaking to see progress derailed by an avoidable fall. But sometimes, this is due to nursing mistakes, such as failing to implement fall precautions.
How to Avoid It:
- Assess fall risk and use fall prevention tools like bed alarms.
- Make sure call lights are within reach, and patients have what they need.
- Keep walkways clear of clutter.
- Keep bed rails up and the bed to the lowest position
7. Equipment Misuse
Technology is great — until it’s not. Misusing or failing to understand medical equipment can impact patient care.
How to Avoid It:
- Get proper training on new devices.
- Double-check equipment before use.
- Ask for help if you’re unsure how something works.
8. Forgetting to Follow Up
You’ve delegated a task to another team member—that's great! But if you forget to follow up, the task may be overlooked.
How to Avoid It:
- Set reminders or use checklists to track delegated tasks.
- Do a final round at the end of your shift to ensure everything is done.
9. Fatigue and Burnout
Long shifts, stressful environments, and limited breaks can leave you running on empty and lead to the dreaded nurse burnout. Tired, stressed out nurses are more likely to make mistakes.
How to Avoid It:
- Prioritize self-care and mental health.
- Advocate for adequate staffing and fair scheduling.
- Take breaks, even if it’s just a few minutes to breathe and regroup.
10. Failing to Advocate for Patients
Being a strong patient advocate is fundamental to the role of nursing. The people you are helping rely on nurses to be their voice. If you’re too passive, vital health needs might go unmet.
How to Avoid It:
- Speak up when you notice issues with a care plan.
- Build relationships and listen to their concerns.
- Don’t be afraid to escalate concerns to doctors or supervisors.
11. Lack of Time Management
With so many tasks on your plate, it’s easy to fall behind. Poor time management can cause you to rush, which leads to, you guessed it, nursing mistakes.
How to Avoid It:
- Improve time management by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
- Break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Plan for the unexpected - because it’s coming.
12. Failure to Educate Patients
Discharge day shouldn’t feel like a mystery novel with a cliffhanger ending. People need to know how to care for themselves post-hospital stay.
How to Avoid It:
- Start early, provide clear, easy-to-understand instructions.
- Ask patients to "teach back" what they’ve learned.
- Offer written instructions as a backup.
13. Not Asking for Help
Supernurse Syndrome is real, but trying to do everything alone will eventually backfire. Mistakes happen when you’re overwhelmed.
How to Avoid It:
- Ask for help when you’re in over your head.
- Work as a team and delegate tasks appropriately.
14. Emotional Detachment
Nursing can be emotionally draining. It’s easy to go on "autopilot" to protect yourself, but disengagement can cause critical details to be missed.
How to Avoid It:
- Practice empathy and active listening.
- Seek support from peers, mentors, or mental health professionals.
15. Skipping Patient Reassessment
It’s easy to assume that a person’s condition will stay stable after an initial assessment, but health statuses can change quickly — sometimes in a matter of minutes. Skipping reassessment can result in missed warning signs and delayed interventions.
How to Avoid It:
- Schedule regular reassessments, especially for high-risk cases.
- Be alert for subtle changes in vital signs, mental status, or pain levels.
- Document changes immediately and notify the healthcare team as needed.
Tips for Mistake-Free Nursing
While it’s impossible to be a "perfect nurse" 100% of the time, some tried-and-true habits can significantly reduce the likelihood of nursing mistakes. Here are some practical tips to help you stay sharp, organized, and confident on the job:
- Stay Organized: Simplify your routine by using checklists for daily tasks, patient care, and medication administration. Prioritize urgent tasks and maintain awareness of outstanding responsibilities. A neat workspace significantly enhances productivity—reducing distractions and minimizing errors.
- Communicate Clearly and Confidently: Use “closed-loop communication” by repeating instructions to ensure you’ve got everything right. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification when needed. Keeping both patients and their families well-informed helps avoid confusion and leads to better care outcomes.
- Double-Check Everything: Always verify patient identifiers before providing care or medication. If something feels off with a medication order, double-check it. Ensure your documentation is accurate and up-to-date — it makes a huge difference.
- Use Technology Wisely: Get comfortable with the equipment and software you’ll be using. Report any tech issues with devices or charting software as soon as possible. And remember, while technology is helpful, your critical thinking skills are irreplaceable.
- Prioritize Self-Care and Mental Wellness: Don’t skip your breaks—you’ve earned them! Even a quick five-minute reset can help recharge your mind. Advocate for a balanced schedule to avoid burnout, and reach out to colleagues, mentors, or a mental health professional when the emotional load gets heavy.
- Practice Continuous Learning: Stay current on continuing education by reading about the latest nursing practices and healthcare protocols. Seek feedback from peers and mentors to improve, and remember to take courses or attend workshops to sharpen your skills.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Nursing is all about teamwork. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure, ask for support from your colleagues. Don’t hesitate to delegate non-clinical tasks to others so you can focus on what matters most — caring for people. Asking for help shows strength, not weakness.
- Develop Emotional Resilience: Be empathetic and compassionate, but also protect your emotional well-being. Use stress-relief techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness meditation during and after challenging shifts. Mistakes happen; what’s important is learning from them and moving forward.
Incorporating these tips into your daily routine will create a strong foundation for mistake-free nursing. Nursing is a tough but rewarding career, and the best nurses aren’t the ones who never make mistakes — they’re the ones who learn, grow, and improve after each shift. You've got this!
Being The Best Nurse You Can Be
Nursing mistakes are bound to happen, but being aware of the most common ones and how to avoid them puts you miles ahead. Perfection isn’t the goal — growth is. So next time you’re in the thick of a busy shift, remember that you’re human, you’re learning, and you’re doing your best.
Now, go out there and keep being the incredible nurse that you are. Stay sharp, stay kind, and keep those nursing mistakes at bay. You’ve got this!
The entire Care Options for Kids team believes in creating a supportive, people-centered environment that helps nurses thrive and minimizes nursing mistakes. Whether it’s training opportunities, benefits that support work-life balance, or even just a few encouraging words, the right resources and helping hands can make all the difference. If this sounds like the place for you, join us!
Join the Care Options For Kids Team!
Are you ready for meaningful work that comes with benefits and not burnout? Join the compassionate care team that helps children and families live their best lives. Our clinicians provide best-in-class pediatric nursing, therapy, and school-based services. We bring individualized care to children where they live, work, and play. We have opportunities in homes, schools, and clinics across the country.
Apply at Care Options for Kids now. We make it easy to start so you can make a difference as soon as possible.
