med errors

There are points assigned to four categories. Points based on type of error ieomission, extra dose etc.), route (po, iv, sc, im), class of drug (narcotics, cardiac, anti-histamine etc.) and why error occurred (transcription, did not verify MAR, did not follow admin. procedure etc.) Each are given a different point value.
Based on the total points determines discipline. For example 1-15 pts would be a verbal. 16-34 written counseling, 35-45 final written counseling, 46-60 suspension, over 60 termination. For the nurse who makes an occassional error the points are cleared when none for 1 year. If continues, points are cumulative. Each level has education involved ie: having a med pass observation done, observed doing a transcription, referred to education for assistance based on types of error. I was suprised at the responses we received from nurses as to why they made errors. The nurses with reoccurring errors took this very lightly and didn't understand why we were so concerned. As new nurses emerge from nursing school, I am amazed at the lack of knowledge and understanding about medications. I believe some nurses consider giving medications a task instead of a process. It's pretty scary when nurses don't even know why they're giving a drug let alone the side effects to observe for. While agree I wish this could be done is a less punitive way. However, it's frightening when you're in charge of nurses that don't take it seriously and what could happen to the resident. For these nurses there needs to be some accountability.