Medication Mishap

[Amethya]

Got a student who has ADHD badly and she tends not want to take her medication and I was told in the beginning that she's a liar and that we need to keep an eye on her to take her medication. I wanted to trust her and help her, but sadly it didn't work out.

Today she came to take her medication. I gave it to her like always, and she proceded to go to the water fountain to take her meds. The secretary called out to me and told me she threw away the medication. I then proceded to give her another one, which this time I saw her take it.

My AP called me and asked me if she took her medication or not, and I told her she threw away the first pill and I gave her another one. She got upset because she said we didn't see her take the medication and gave her one, and the child told her she took it, but opened the capsule and took the contents. She never has done that with me, she always took the pill whole. Then the child changed the story to that she didn't take it.

My AP was upset with me because she said that I'm not doing my end of the bargain which was watching her take her medication and that yesterday was the second time I didn't give it to her on time.

I explained to her that yes, it was my mistake I didn't check before I gave her another dose, but I can't do anything if she doesn't take her medication.

She is upset, and wants to talk to my principal, which I did before her, explaining that I'm not sure how we can do this with this child, she is difficult and I now know why we can't trust her.

I wanted to give her trust but obviously she can't be trusted. It was my mistake and I am trying to fix this situation by finding a solution, but I'm not sure how I can defend myself when I talk to my AP.

I know this will be another written warning and I will write a rebuttal but I'm not sure how I can defend myself on this.

Yes, it was my fault, and I made a mistake and I'm willing to fix the situation, but what I do I tell her.

[WineRN]

You need to tell both your manager and parent exactly what happened: How you administered the pill, how the secretary caught the student throwing away the pill when she went for water, and how you then administered the second dose.

It will suck and they will most likely be angry, but it has to happen

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

I was told to let parent know but I'm not sure if should too.

Yes you should, and sooner the better.

Dear Ms. M - your daughter was observed discarding her medication by Secretary X, who told me. I gave her another dose of the medication since she said she did not take the medication. To prevent any confusion moving forward, she will take her medication in the clinic in front of me.

Then ask if mom has questions.

[Amethya]

So you would rather risk over and or under medicating a child . . .

What will the next mishap (error) be? I shudder.

Of course I don't wan to over or under medicating the child. And I understand this error, but please understand this is my only source of income and I am not able to leave until I can either find something or until summer vacation.

[tining, BSN, RN]

Respectfully, I would hope you know what you should do.

Your posts alarm me.

For your reputation and the safety of the students in your care.

We will have 2 weeks off soon, take some time to soul search (and job search?).

[Amethya]

Respectfully, I would hope you know what you should do.

Your posts alarm me.

For your reputation and the safety of the students in your care.

We will have 2 weeks off soon, take some time to soul search (and job search?).

I understand and I hope I can find something soon, because I understand your worry and I feel it too.

If anyone here lives in Houston, Texas and actually needs a CMA to help a nurse at a school or knows of a job for me, please let me know.

[OyWithThePoodles, RN]

Yes you should, and sooner the better.

Dear Ms. M - your daughter was observed discarding her medication by Secretary X, who told me. I gave her another dose of the medication since she said she did not take the medication. To prevent any confusion moving forward, she will take her medication in the clinic in front of me.

Then ask if mom has questions.

I would most definitely add that when you confronted the student, she said she took the medication inside the capsule and just threw the capsule away (I hope you checked the trash to verify) because this was an overdose of medication. Legally you have to tell the parent.

[OyWithThePoodles, RN]

I understand and I hope I can find something soon, because I understand your worry and I feel it too.

If anyone here lives in Houston, Texas and actually needs a CMA to help a nurse at a school or knows of a job for me, please let me know.

Please know that we mean well. Luckily you do not have a license at stake, but that does not exempt you from lawsuits, which are very costly. I would look at maybe a doctors office, where there are other MA's to look to for guidance.

[OhioBPH]

What is your support like in your department? Did you have a good training? Is it possible to get more support where you are? We have similar qualifications, and I know all districts are different, but I feel very well supported. If there is an issue I have help a phone call away. There are also detailed written policies about every little thing. I also have worked hard at building rapport with the administration here, and they trust that if I am over my head with a situation i will call my district RN for advice.

[Amethya]

I honestly don't feel supported. The person in charge of me is always getting up on my case on things, and throws me under a bus when something happens. Then the person above me, doesn't like me and is always upset with me.

I'm honestly not comfortable here anymore, because while I understand I do mistakes, I'm not a nurse and I keep getting in trouble for things I wasn't told what to do for things that happen.

I really want to find another job, but I don't want to work in clinics anymore, but in schools, helping an RN doing her job with children.

[OhioBPH]

but in schools, helping an RN doing her job with children.

Here in Ohio that job is hard to find, however depending on your education, you may be able to look into paraprofesional work. this type of health aide usually works in sped though.

Based on your last post I think that you should look into returning to school. You may find fufillment in social work or another capacity, and honestly, figure out what the schooling requires of you before you choose a new job. What if the program is only available days? You'd be better off working second shift or weekends in a hospital.

[Amethya]

Here in Ohio that job is hard to find, however depending on your education, you may be able to look into paraprofesional work. this type of health aide usually works in sped though.

Based on your last post I think that you should look into returning to school. You may find fufillment in social work or another capacity, and honestly, figure out what the schooling requires of you before you choose a new job. What if the program is only available days? You'd be better off working second shift or weekends in a hospital.

I rather not work in hospitals anymore or clinics.

I can't go to school without any money, so I can't.

I appreciate the help, but I'm looking for a paraprofessional job, hopefully I find one.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

absolutely agree with Ruby. Pills are swallowed in front of my eyes, in my office - no distractions. Invest in a dollar store pitcher and a box of dixie cups if you don't have a sink in there.

Yep. Or if my pitcher runs dry, I give the child one of my cups, tell them to walk outside to the water fountain, fill the cup and bring it back to my office where I give the med (no sink in my actual office either; I often have kids I observe refill my pitcher great way to assess if they are ready to go back to class!). I have a couple of students I will bring meds to in class, but I watch them take in front of me or I follow them to the water fountain and again watch them.

I learned this after I had a student that I did actually watch cheek a pill. That was fun. But I will only give another dose if I have watched the first dose fall on the floor (which happens).

Amethya, I do know you are trying your best, but this is a medication error. And that is a serious thing that cannot be debated. They happen to the best of us, but you really need proper supervision. How often is your supervising RN checking in?

As for helping another RN in a school setting, at least by me that is a rare thing. Only RNs can be school nurses in my state, with the occasional LPN supervised by a RN.

Perhaps being a 1:1 para is a good fit for you. But double check your state's requirements. In MA, you need a high school diploma, associate's degree and/or completed 48 college credit hours, and acheived a certain score on an official state assessment.