med

[idahostudent2011]

I am in the 3rd semester of my RN program. I just woke up in a cold sweat realizing I have made a Med error during clinical. I know the RN that I was working with caught it when she was giving the 1300 meds(but that still is no excuse).I left the floor at 1300 for post conference. It was heparin drip needing to be changed at 1145, but I guess I was confused, because there was still so much iv fluid still in the bag. I probably should have asked, but that is hindsight 22. I just read the drug book and heparin that is diluted in ns is only stable for 24 hours. I feel horrible knowing this and being a student I what shoud I do? Should I call my instructor or just wait it out? Help!

[sunshiny]

I thought of what I would do if I were in this situation... and I would call the instructor (remember, your were working under their license).

Sure, I could gamble that the RN didn't say anything and therefore I wouldn't get caught, but that sets up a whole pattern of future "sweeping under the rug". That is not a place I want to go. As much as I hate the idea of getting in trouble (and yes I completely understand that your first instinct is to protect yourself), the thought of possibly harming a patient to save my hide is unforgivable in my mind. I would not be able to live with myself and the whole thing would eat away at me.

What I would say is pretty much exactly what you have posted, plus the following:

1. that I realize the mistake made in hindsight

2. is there any action that needs to be taken at this point

3. how to handle this situation should it ever arise again

This is the professional way to handle it. Good Luck.