First med error.

[me1989]

I can't believe I made a med error in home care. I feel horrible. I'm a new nurse, licensed this past August, and finally found a job in January in home care. Today I made a medication error because I'm careless. I gave an antibiotic scheduled for 3pm at 11am. I could have sworn it said 11am, but it was 11pm (it's tid). The first dose was at 7am. I feel like such an idiot. I called my supervisor and told her. Then I called the prescribing doctor who gave no instructions. Then I told the parents who said its fine, but it's really not. They don't understand the gravity of it.

I feel like such an incompetent jerk. I don't know how I'm ever going to make it when I start my hospital job next month. More patients? I obviously can't even handle one. There was no system error to blame it on, just my inability to be a safe nurse. I'm so upset.

[eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN]

Everyone makes mistakes. As long as you went through the correct steps afterward, I wouldn't be so hard on myself. Especially since it seems like you really learned your lesson! Just remember to triple check meds, including times, from now on and you will be an even better nurse!! Hugs!:hug:

[ScarryBear,RN]

Also most IV antibiotics are ok to be given 4 hours apart. If it's a TID antibiotic, depending what it is, would have no repercussions. What was the antibiotic. Very few I would be concerned about, the main one would be Vanco but if it's TID I doubt it's Vanco. Don't sweat it, it happens to the best of us. Like the saying goes, our patients survive despite what we do to them.

[lumbarpain, ADN, RN]

We all make mistakes. Dont let this be a setback for you. if you monitered the patient and informed your supervisor and if the doc didnt give specific instructions then dont pack up the old stethoscope yet. We are all human(hopefully) no one is immune from errors, no matter what it is. Its human nature really. But certain people are trying so much to be Godlike in this world it just wont happen!!!! We are not perfect, thats for sure. Otherwise, there would be world peace by now.