Hi.this is my first time posting as I generally kisg browse this site. I actually became a member so that I could seek some advice. Please, nurses, share your infinite wisdom with me!
I have been a nurse for nearly 7 years. Within the last year I took a position at a small rehab/ LTC facility. It seems that there is this strange, unspoken policy of "hiding" issues. Be it New wounds, change in condition, med error, whatever- most everyone seems comfortable with sweeping issues under-the- rug. This inevitably results in a mountain of paperwork and multitude of phone calls/order changes/ incident reports nearly every time i work (for issues occuring on other shifts) . Whenever there is an issue, it seems its ignored until a 'float nurse' stumbles upon it and adresses it.
The last shift I worked was on a unit. And shift I had not worked on in quite some time. As I was pulling meds for a pt, I noticed that the correct dosage of a med (narcotic) was unavailable . Upon further investigation I discovered that the pt. Had been receiving double the prescribed dosage for several weeks. I wrote up the med error, obtained correct dose and carried on with my shift. Later, i was informed by coworkers that i shouldn't have documented this med error as "no harm was done' as the nurses who gave the incorrect dose could" be in big trouble! ". I honestly feel as though I did the only thing I could in my position. Although, admittedly, .the patient did not suffer any ill-effects, an error was made ( not just once but for weeks). The patient is fine, but that does not negate the error made. Also, selfish as it may sound, I have a license to protect. I would have undeniable liability had I not reported the issue- it was obvious i noted the discrepancy and began the administration of correct dosage. Im not really sure what im looking for here except maybe some validation that I did the right thing (despite the anger ive inspired in many of my co-workers
