Can I be terminated for this mistake?

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Dec 7, 2012

Blood consents are a big deal.

However, since you have limited experience with blood transfusions (as you stated), you immediately corrected the error once you discovered it, and if you otherwise don't have a history of making errors in general, I wouldn't worry too much.

allnurses Guide · Dec 7, 2012

Did the patient say "oh no! don't do that!" and you did it anyway? no, of course not. Has he had transfusions before (indicating niether he nor the family have objections to transfusions)?

Yes, you need the consent. No, you didn't commit battery on a pt, you acted in his best interests per his doctor transferring him in to your workplace for that reason only. You had every reasonable expectation that this was a permissible action, especially since the family did eventually consent.

So, why would they throw away all their investment in you as a new employee for a mistake that caused no harm? I'm willing to wager you will never make that mistake again, will you? You reported it, took corrective action, and your charge nurse kept you there. Learn, and move on. {hugs}

Born_2BRN · Dec 9, 2012

Thank you all so much for shedding some lights and reassurance. I'm a person who usually looks at the worse case scenario before for the better. I think of myself as a good hard worker. I always fear of making errors and mistakes and this one had caused me some self-confident. I haven't been able to not think about it since that day. Now I start to questioning if I have chosen the right profession. Will I able to be happy in what I'm doing? Some days are good but the most are bad. Then again it's my first year in nursing therefore I am trying not to be too hard on myself. I hope other would think of me as the same, a great asset and investment, not giving up on me.

eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN · Dec 10, 2012

Does your facility not have some sort of checklist to complete with another RN before giving blood? We have to take a copy of the order and the consent to bedside while checking the blood product and the patient. A checklist pops up on the computer to remind you to do everything.

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2012

A Med Resident failed to obtain a surgical consent from my loved one before doing an invasive procedure. I actually saw her do the procedure and then obtain the consent after! You're not the only one who messes up. In your case, no harm was done. I think you'll be fine.

Riseupandnurse · Dec 10, 2012

Good grief; stop worrying. I know of a nurse who forgot to get the consent signed, hung the blood and had a family member walk in and hit the roof. Seems they were all Jehovah's witnesses. I also know of a recent case where the wrong blood was hung on a patient. Does that help to put it in perspective?

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2012

Long ago I signed a consent for a surgical procedure while I was in the recovery room. :yes: Long before I was a nurse. Long before I became friends with the words malpractice and litigation

I also administered blood without a consent. Only once, and long ago.

I was thoroughly reprimaned, but didn't lose my job. I didn't think it was possible to feel that low and survive.

I agree with the other posters. After the big mistake, you did everything else right.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2012

We all make mistakes. New grads and experienced nurses alike make mistakes. The key is to learn from them and hopefully not make crucial errors on a regular basis. That's when it becomes a problem. Don't worry too much about it.

Born_2BRN · Dec 13, 2012

Thanks all so much for words of encouragement and advice. I dare not to make this same mistake. It was a lesson learned.