Problem:
Computer order states:
2 tabs PO Q HS
Paper MAR states the same.
The nurse that passes PM meds gives this medication, signs her name to the narcotic count sheet, but doesn't sign it on the MAR. Then when the next nurse comes on duty, she does not realize this med has been given, so gives it again. CAusing the client to receive pain medication in double the dose a few short hours apart.
This behavior has been reported 4 times that I know of, the DON has spoken to her, and the nurse in question says she is going to contact the doctor and have the order changed. (She's a rather pushy nurse who likes things her way).
As of last night, she changed the MAR to read 2 tabs at PM and HS PRN pain, and told the oncoming the order had been changed. Come this morning, order was checked and compared with computer... order not changed. Continued to read as always... 2 tabs PO Q HS
Med error written up again, and turned in.
Here's another issue. The nurse that constantly gets caught in this mess is me. I have only been at my job 2 months, and the day shift nurse does what she chooses when she chooses. I have reported this to other nurses who were training me at the time, they wrote it up as a med error, and since then, I have caught it 3 more times, the latest being this morning.
I'm afraid I'm stirring the pot, but I don't feel med errors should just be let go like this. Especially when it involves a narcotic pain medication.
Am I pushing too hard? My husband tells me to watch my back..... that I'm making enemies. But I really like my job. Should I back off and go with the flow? or continue to do what I feel is right?