I made a med error!! (Long)

[rn-n- 2005]

Hi all. I haven't posted much here. I've just lurked and read others posts and have found a lot of support here.

I graduated in May 2005 and have worked for 8 months on a busy Adult Oncology floor in a big hospital. I love the nurses I work with there but the pace can be head spinning. I've learned a lot and am getting better at prioritizing.

Anyway, yesterday I had 5 patients on dayshift. One of my elderly patients fell when she was getting out of bed. She has bipolar depression, dementia, along with Lymphoma and is a very nasty person to all. She attempted to hit me and I told her that hitting me is not allowed. I was actually proud of myself for calmly standing up to her even when she made verbally abusive remarks to me. One of my other patients died. He was expected to go but I was sad that he had to go alone and I had to make my 1st call to a family member informing them of his death.

I had a patient who was admitted for N & V and was on scheduled Reglan 20 mg PO or Reglan 20 mg IV. Yup, I gave both, double doses. I didn't even realize that the MAG said to give PO or IV. The night shift nurse asked me which he was taking and as she asked my stomach flip flopped and my heart sank. I was (still am) mortified. I called the Dr. and he was very kind and we held the QHS dose and changed the order to PO only. Luckily, the patient was not harmed.

The pt had no N & V on my shift and I was so pleased before I knew what I had done. I take full responsibility for not being thorough and am going to learn from this. The nurses I work with were all so great. They said that it's a wonder sometimes that we as a group don't make more mistakes.

I guess I always felt that I was going to not make any med errors and I know that I'm not perfect but sometimes it's hardest to forgive myself.

Thanks for letting me unload.

Ann

[TexasPediRN]

Unfortunantly, mistakes happen. You did what you were supposed to do; you notified the doctor, and the patient was unharmed.

Did you write up the incident report at work?

Just remember to check and double check your orders.

Dont beat yourself up too much over it, but learn from your mistake. To be able to learn from you mistake is what will seperate the good nurse, from the great nurse.

-Meghan

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

You did great job in handiling the situation (informing the physician etc...).

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

You did great! I like the way you handled the problem.

I was told by my preceptor on day #2 to expect to make med errors and just accept it now. It's inevitable.

[leslie :-D]

i'm impressed.

you were professional, accountable and responsible.

you handled it well. very well.

and i know you won't make the same mistake twice.

good girl.:balloons:

leslie

[rn-n- 2005]

Thanks everybody for your support. It makes me feel better. You're right, I won't make this mistake twice! One can never be too vigilant.

Ann

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

It's OK, really. You did fine, and I'll bet you won't make a similar mistake again. Just think of all the meds you give, and you ended up screwing up on Reglan! Not bad, for a med error. Actually kind of funny in a sick sort of way. :)

[sharann, BSN, RN]

So many nurses would just never say a word to anyone and cover up the mistake(for fear of action being taken mainly). You have a moral conscience and I think we are all proud of you. This is part of the process. We all have done SOMEthing. If not, they will. No one is 100% perfect though we try.

You did all the right things!

[rn-n- 2005]

Thanks to all of you!! You guys are fabulous!!! I feel so much better.

BTW, I went into work last night and was more vigilant about my meds but I really am viewing it as an experience in which to learn from and not an experience to make myself feel like an idiot!! All of you really helped make this a more positive experience.

Ann

[anniev]

I agree you did what was right, will go forth and be great , you learned so much and no one was hurt Kudos:balloons: