Mistake

It snowed again as I was coming home after my night shift at work. Usually, I would cherish the thought of being able to play in the snow. But it's horribly cold, and wet everywhere and I am tired and annoyed at myself.

I made a mistake at work today.

It wasn't a fatal mistake, thankfully, but it had the potential to become one if the mistake was left to continue and wasn't noted in the morning hand-over. More importantly, it was a mistake that I should not have made. I should have known better as it was a situation that I had came across many times in the past, and made the right decision. So, why didn't I do the same this time?

The only excuse I could come up with was that I was distracted. I can't say what I was distracted by in such public domains as it would involve making accusatory comments on another health care professional. Nevertheless, I should have known better and not have let the distraction affect my decision-making skills.

I went back to the hospital later in the evening to check on the patient's status. Fortunately, there was no lasting-damage due to my error.

The only lasting damage is most likely on the consultant's perception of my capability. All it takes is one error to undo everything else.