First Screw-upp

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So I have a situation. I am a new graduate working in the ER and am still on orientation. I was getting report and the pt I was with started complaining of pain. The nurse I was with said she had 4mg of Dilaudid IV ordered. Not thinking I asked if she would put in the order and get the medicine. She did and I witnessed her giving the IV dilaudid. She signed off in the chart, and I signed it off in the computer. My pt became somnolent and I had to administer Narcan, and then realized that the order was for 4mg dilaudid PO! My preceptor was livid, and I feel like a complete idiot for not checking/questioning the order. I wrote up the incident report, but I am not sure what to expect. Anyone have any advice/been through this?

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
So I have a situation. I am a new graduate working in the ER and am still on orientation. I was getting report and the pt I was with started complaining of pain. The nurse I was with said she had 4mg of Dilaudid IV ordered. Not thinking I asked if she would put in the order and get the medicine. She did and I witnessed her giving the IV dilaudid. She signed off in the chart, and I signed it off in the computer. My pt became somnolent and I had to administer Narcan, and then realized that the order was for 4mg dilaudid PO! My preceptor was livid, and I feel like a complete idiot for not checking/questioning the order. I wrote up the incident report, but I am not sure what to expect. Anyone have any advice/been through this?

Well lesson learned...double check everything that you do. I am confused however.....the nurse you were with,SHE gave the drug and put it into the computer without checking the written order.......one thing that you should never do. Then I get confused again. She put it into the computer and you signed off the order without checking and she signed the chart as being given without checking the order. You both were wrong but I hold her responsible for you as she is supposed to be teaching you the right way.....not the way were all know happens sometimes in the real world. Your preceptor was livid bexcause she knows she messed up big time.

You should be fine. Admit you made a mistake and you will never give and order without checking it again. and say you are sorry. We all make mistakes.

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Specializes in M/S, ICU, ICP.

First off, ouch what a way to gain experience and learn a hard and fast rule. It is a lesson you will never forget now. Always know beyond all doubt the 5 rights on med administration.

1.Right patient.

2.Right drug.

3.Right route.

4.Right amount.

5.Right date and time.

I think I got them all right ???

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Update: The nurse who gave the dilaudid ended up getting spoken to by risk management, because I was on orientation and didnt give the drug they didn't fault me. Thank you everyone for answering me, I will remember this forever!

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The other nurse took the order, gave the medication.. why were YOU required to sign it off in the computer?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Update: The nurse who gave the dilaudid ended up getting spoken to by risk management, because I was on orientation and didnt give the drug they didn't fault me. Thank you everyone for answering me, I will remember this forever!

Then it is a good lesson learned....:hug:

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