First med error

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I got my first med error today, and while the patient was ok. I'm terrified. I'm worried for when the DON sees it. I had talk a week ago for a charting error and just that and this and I'm terrified for what's going to happen.

I just don't know what to do. I mean I'll own up to what I did and hope it doesn't affect me too badly. But at the same time it just worries me so much.

There should be enough nurses to provide adequte safe care, thats a big probably. Many Hosp, Ltc/Snf etc have toatally neglected pt safety by not having enough staff on the units. School teaches you the basics (perfect world), once you are out there on your own you have to learn to use minimal resources. Its a challenge for novice.

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One of my favorite nursing teachers says everyone will make a certain percentage of mistakes so celebrate the errors you make that don’t cause permanent damage or death!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Shane505 - you pretty much hit the nail on the head in regards to LTC!

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I can understand how u feeln the best thing is to come forward don't wait for someone to find it it will make you look bad. You are a good nurse your actions will speak volumes and it will show that your highest priority is your patient not yourself.

I got my first med error today, and while the patient was ok. I'm terrified. I'm worried for when the DON sees it. I had talk a week ago for a charting error and just that and this and I'm terrified for what's going to happen.I just don't know what to do. I mean I'll own up to what I did and hope it doesn't affect me too badly. But at the same time it just worries me so much.
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Specializes in Wilderness Medicine, ICU, Adult Ed..

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Specializes in Wilderness Medicine, ICU, Adult Ed..

Witty my friend, I cannot offer you advice, because I do not know you or the details of your circumstances. I will only tell you what I do. Whenever I get a new bossI make a promise to them; "I cannot promise that I will never make a mistake, but I do promise that, if I do, you will hear about it from me first, and I will always tell you the truth." Again, I am not telling you what to do, just offering the option of letting your DON know about the error. She is going to find out anyway; it might be best to just get it over with and show your good character and honesty by being the one who tells her. It also might help stop you from reliving the error repeatedly in your mind.

Again, not advice, just what I do. Take it for what it is worth.

PS: I wish that my first drug error was as minor as yours. Mine could have been life threatening. I let the doctor know right away. Yes, he was unhappy, and rightfully so, but the patient's welfare was what mattered, my feelings did not. We made a plan to prevent harm to the patient (which was effective, he went home in good condition) and I got on with my work, humbled, frightened by the harm I almost caused, but a better nurse from that day on.

Do not think that you are alone, or that this incident is a "sign" that you cannot be a good nurse. It is just a reminder of the importance of our work, and the necessity to press on with courage, in spite of our imperfections. Please be gentle with yourself.

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Everyone make errors...so the 3 strikes & you're out deal is stupid...it will cause people to lie...and possibly harm patients more...

That said, there may be something wrong with the med system that promotes errors...there should be many safe checks to prevent this...

...and it is important for nurses to KNOW each drug they are giving...I write down anything I am unsure of, check it out before I give it, then when I am home research it more extensively, so that I am informed...it's worked for me for many years...good luck

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How many of you use smart phone apps for meds?

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I work in a LTC with 50 residents. Each nurse has 1/2 of the residents. There is no way to avoid an occasional med error with so many meds. Each resident takes about 8 meds during the evening shift. That's 200 meds for each nurse in ONE SHIFT!!! If a DON thinks there won't be med errors, she's out of her mind! It can't be avoided. Of course everyone tries their best to avoid these med errors but statistically, it's bound to happen.

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On top of everything else, the Drs. change the orders & it's easy to miss the new orders!

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You are right about nurses that lie & are good at covering their tracks. I've seen minor med errors that new nurses made & talk to them about it. It doesn't help by writing people up. Mistakes happen. Nurses that say they've never made a mistake are liars.

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Each nurse has about 200 meds to pass out in one shift, where I work. Nobody WANTS to make med errors, but mistakes happen.

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