Accidently took home a patients' insulin!

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So I'm a nursing student and today me and my preceptor gave insulin to two of her patients near change of shift. By the time we were done, the next nurses were already ready to receive report so my preceptor told me that we would put it back in the pyxis later. I don't have access to some meds in pyxis, so I need her to put it back. I put the insulins in my scrub pocket because we aren't supposed to leave medications on the COW. But later we apparently got busy and by the time I knew it, she sent me home telling me I did a good job that day. So you can imagine the disappointment in myself when I go home to empty my pockets and see those two meds /:

I texted her and she said to just bring it back tomorrow since we have a shift. I just feel so bad, like I already failed preceptorship. Has anyone done something similar to this?

Specializes in Heme Onc.

If I screw up and take something home I just call the unit and ask if they need me to bring it back (narc keys included). The answer is usually "lol, no just bring them back tomorrow, or after you've slept". Except in those situations where 3 people took home their phones, or the other narc key went home with someone accidentally too.... I'm usually able to go home and snooze without any trouble.

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Specializes in Ortho, CMSRN.

I used to empty my pockets into a bowl in my locker. Apparently, a Lyrica was among the paraphernalia. When I came back to work after a few days off, I found it. I also found that I was written up for it missing. It was returned, no drug testing.

Now I have a "med pocket" meds to return go there, no where else and I ALWAYS check it before leaving. Live and learn ;) Insulin is not a big deal. Narcs are what you have to worry about!

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Specializes in LTC, Rural, OB.

Omg...this brings me back. My first quarter in the hospital, I was giving humalog and in this hospital they used the pens so each pt had their own...well I put the entire insulin pen into the sharps...granted I didn't realize it until I went to give lunch time coverage and we could not find the pen anywhere. Ya I've never made that mistake again...granted the two hospitals I've worked at only use the insulin vials, no pens. It really isn't the end of the world. Just makes you more aware.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Yup, I do a thorough self-patdown before I log off of my computer. It may even be criminal in 3-4 states as to how good of a job I do!

It happens. Just wait till you have gone home with the narcotic keys. I usually end up with eye drops in my pocket. I've learned to do a full pocket pat down before leaving. I've also gone home with the nursing cell phone.
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Specializes in Emergency.

Hah, I have a small pharmacy at home from all the meds I forget about. Every now and then I'll take them all back and throw them into the pharmacy return bin. Except the narcotics....I return those to the omnicell ;).

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Specializes in critical care.

Right this very minute, in my bag to go back to work with me, are two tabs of 500 mg metformin. *sigh* Wouldn't be a busy day at work if I didn't walk off with SOMETHING that wasn't mine.

I'm sure as a student, points would be lost for this. The number of points would likely be determined by the way it was handled. I'm curious - what did you end up doing?

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I won't say it's "no biggie" but it's not as bad as say accidentally taking a narc home. Now that would probably be way worse. It's a good learning experience. Lesson: Check pockets before you hit the door to go home.

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So what did you do, OP? Did you drive it back?

No I came back the next day like my preceptor back and administered his morning dose at the same time. My preceptor said that if they needed to give him insulin they could always get the pharmacy. Plus, I had work the next day and we already gave him his night coverage.

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I won't say it's "no biggie" but it's not as bad as say accidentally taking a narc home. Now that would probably be way worse. It's a good learning experience. Lesson: Check pockets before you hit the door to go home.

Lesson learned. I empty my pockets after shift now.

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Right this very minute, in my bag to go back to work with me, are two tabs of 500 mg metformin. *sigh* Wouldn't be a busy day at work if I didn't walk off with SOMETHING that wasn't mine.

I'm sure as a student, points would be lost for this. The number of points would likely be determined by the way it was handled. I'm curious - what did you end up doing?

I think I replied to a different post. But basically I brought it back the next day.

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Specializes in ICU.

First year of nursing got into my driveway, went to pull out my phone and discovered 2mg of Dilaudid.... Oops! Back to work I went. Then just a few years ago did it with Morphine. Very long day and honestly for a second I thought about taking it back the next day but instead I just ran it back that night. It happens to everyone. Both times I pulled the meds and then the pt said they didn't need them.

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Yep. Just bring it back. Luckily you told that nurse. Don't tell anyone else.

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