First med error - Page 2

In regards to what to say just tell them exactly what happened. I was raised to always tell the truth, and that has never steered me wrong.

People have written scholarly articles on this and there's a world of information out there about safety culture. A blind 3-strike policy would not fit with any of these concepts. Errors that can't be reported without fear of losing one's livelihood only increase errors by failing to identify education needs and system flaws. Accusing people of not learning enough in school is certainly less than useful. Cape Cod Mermaid isn't the only poster who cares about patients. What protects the patient and provides the best possible care is a culture of safety. I work in a hospital setting but these concepts can apply to LTC too. Of course then the facility might have to spend money on training and providing safe staffing levels. You know it won't come out of the CEO's salary. Here's some links:
Moving from a culture of blame to a cultu... [Nurs Forum. 2006 Jul-Sep] - PubMed - NCBI
Culture of Safety Reduces Medication Errors - Mosby' s Nursing Suite

There should be enough nurses to provide adequte safe care, thats a big probably. Many Hosp, Ltc/Snf etc have toatally neglected pt safety by not having enough staff on the units. School teaches you the basics (perfect world), once you are out there on your own you have to learn to use minimal resources. Its a challenge for novice.

One of my favorite nursing teachers says everyone will make a certain percentage of mistakes so celebrate the errors you make that don’t cause permanent damage or death!

Shane505 - you pretty much hit the nail on the head in regards to LTC!

I can understand how u feeln the best thing is to come forward don't wait for someone to find it it will make you look bad. You are a good nurse your actions will speak volumes and it will show that your highest priority is your patient not yourself.

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Witty my friend, I cannot offer you advice, because I do not know you or the details of your circumstances. I will only tell you what I do. Whenever I get a new bossI make a promise to them; "I cannot promise that I will never make a mistake, but I do promise that, if I do, you will hear about it from me first, and I will always tell you the truth." Again, I am not telling you what to do, just offering the option of letting your DON know about the error. She is going to find out anyway; it might be best to just get it over with and show your good character and honesty by being the one who tells her. It also might help stop you from reliving the error repeatedly in your mind.

Again, not advice, just what I do. Take it for what it is worth.

PS: I wish that my first drug error was as minor as yours. Mine could have been life threatening. I let the doctor know right away. Yes, he was unhappy, and rightfully so, but the patient's welfare was what mattered, my feelings did not. We made a plan to prevent harm to the patient (which was effective, he went home in good condition) and I got on with my work, humbled, frightened by the harm I almost caused, but a better nurse from that day on.

Do not think that you are alone, or that this incident is a "sign" that you cannot be a good nurse. It is just a reminder of the importance of our work, and the necessity to press on with courage, in spite of our imperfections. Please be gentle with yourself.

Everyone make errors...so the 3 strikes & you're out deal is stupid...it will cause people to lie...and possibly harm patients more...

That said, there may be something wrong with the med system that promotes errors...there should be many safe checks to prevent this...

...and it is important for nurses to KNOW each drug they are giving...I write down anything I am unsure of, check it out before I give it, then when I am home research it more extensively, so that I am informed...it's worked for me for many years...good luck

How many of you use smart phone apps for meds?