got too comfortable

[qcnursingstudent]

Couple of days ago, I made my first med error!! Yikes! I am a primary nurse on a unit and I know my resident's med routine pretty well. I got too comfortable and made a mistake; I forgot to do all my checks! I ended up popping a resident's tramadol from a different resident's narc card. Luckily, it was the correct medication and dose. Next day my unit manager asked what happened and I explained to her and she laughed a bit and said, "you're getting too comfortable! Just slow down and remember to do your checks." Then she proceeded to write up the paperwork for my write-ups. Eeks but hey, I made a mistake and I will own up to it. Now I know I need to not get too comfortable and relaxed. Remember to do all my checks and double check everything before I pour! I felt terrible and I thought I would get fired! I need to be a lot more careful and slow down.

Anyone else had scares like this?! It's such a terrible feeling.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Yup. Usually when there's a number of residents who are accessible immediately for me to medicate. I am trying to have a resident wait a moment....wrestle with the bubble packaging....and someone else is talking about their fun outing....and another about their good for nothing daughter in law.....

Three ring circus...just remember you are the ring master!! HAHA

[qcnursingstudent]

During orientation, my nurse educator flat out said, "you WILL make a med error! Every great nurse does at least once. Even I have." Still a horrible feeling though.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

As long as you own it, and learn, and take immediate corrective action