Getting over a med error, what now?

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Oct 24, 2015

Think about what happened that you missed it and then take that and come up with a plan on making sure you don't miss a med next time. Now that you did this, you are going to be more aware of the possibility and make sure you do all the checks to make sure you administer meds correctly. Your instructor is correct in that learning from this error will make you a better nurse. Each time we make a mistake, it makes us a better nurse when we learn something from that error.

VANurse2010 · Oct 24, 2015

If it makes you feel better, prophylactic heparin doesn't even work.

Postpartum RN · Oct 24, 2015

If it makes you feel better, prophylactic heparin doesn't even work.

How come? Although we usually use lovenox unless contraindicated, then heparin it is.

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akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Oct 24, 2015

When I was a student, all the hospitals used electronic health records so I only had to deal with the eMAR. Generally I'd put it into a "time" view so that I could see what meds were due at what times. This made it very easy to organize things because all the 8 AM meds were grouped together, same with 9 AM meds and Noon meds. It also helped me to not have to copy down meds that wouldn't be given while I was there. If you can't do that or you don't have an EHR to do this with, take your time going through the paper MAR and take close notes as to what meds are due and group them by time.

That is what worked for me to remember what meds to give and when to give them. Just a suggestion!

vanilla bean · Oct 24, 2015

Guess what? It's good news that you feel terrible. We all make mistakes at some point or another. Some of us feel terrible about it, and learn from it, and never make the same mistake again. Some people don't care and continue to make similar mistakes. Don't dwell on your mistake, but learn from it, and grow as a nursing student and then apply those lessons to your nursing practice when you become a nurse.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Oct 24, 2015

You are human. A nurse who says she hasn't done the same is just lying to themselves. You will be a good nurse. Hang in there.

CBlover, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2015

My question ALWAYS in situations like this is...where was your instructor?! You are a student!! You should not be held solely accountable! She should take more than half the blame! I've posted this before when another student made an error quite similar. Why aren't these instructors watching you guys like a hawk??

cupcakeluver · Oct 25, 2015

I made a med error in clinical recently as well. Your post describes how I'm feeling exactly. It just stays in your head.

I don't have any advice. I just wanted to let you know you aren't alone.

As far as the instructor comment.....it was a super simple mistake I made. She trusted me to handle a simple task. Something I should have been able to do without problem. The fact that I let her down just makes the situation even worse.

Dranger · Oct 25, 2015

Learn from it and move on.

Prophylactic subQ heparin really isn't a big deal to miss...

NurseKatie08, MSN · Oct 25, 2015

Where was your instructor? I am a clinical instructor and my students NEVER have sole responsibility for administration of meds! They must always be given with my presence and co signature, never mind the fact that they can't even get into the med room or Pyxis without me to sign them in. Also the instructor should make the primary nurse aware which patients/what meds they are giving. Primary nurse is ultimately responsible for assuring meds are given, and your instructor is responsible for you. Boo on your instructor.

AlwaysLearning247, BSN · Oct 25, 2015

Mistakes happen, use this as a learning experience. Any nurse who says they don't make mistakes is lying. Good luck and don't lose your confidence over this!