I made my 1st med error tonight!

cursenurse · Feb 18, 2005

:) hi debbie, don't worry about it. usually when you make a med error, you fill out a med incident sheet and call the dr. since you gave regular biaxin instead of the xl version perhaps the dr would want to give another dose later. i don't know why the don would want to meet with you over that, we have all made med errors. and as far as getting a four day orientation, when i was a new grad on the 3rd day in a LTC, they gave me the keys and told me to go for it! it would be nice to get a longer orientation, but in LTC it doesn't often happen, especially if they are short. don't be too upset over that med error, it doesn't sound too serious, and there is not a nurse practicing who hasn't made one.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2005

It's heartbreaking to make an error. So let it just be a lesson learned. The important thing is that you learn and grow from your mistake.

You will not loose your license over a med error such as this. In fact the board of nursing won't even be notified.

I find it interesting that the people you were working with didn't know what to do if a med error occurs. Makes me wonder if people there are as honest as you are.

Hang in there and good luck to.

dbsn00 · Feb 18, 2005

Well, I finally went off of orientation. I am a new nurse, it's my first job, and I had 4 days of orientation. Tonight was HELL! I had to send 2 residents out to the hospital, there were 6 room changes, and i couldn't get caught up for the life of me. Now an order comes in for Biazxin XL. I went to the STAT box and pulled Biaxin, and gave it to the resident. It was not XL! What should I do now? I told the other nurse and he didn't know what to do, so now I have to talk to the DON tomarrow. Will I lose my license? Will I get suspended? I am very worried. Personally, I think I should have had more than 4 days of orientation(especially since I was never a nurse before). HELP!

You will not lose your license & the patient will not suffer from this minor error. What is disturbing is that as a new nurse (I'm assuming you're a recent grad?) only gets 4 days of orientation :uhoh3: and then is thrown on the floor (welcome to LTC!!!). Interesting that the other nurse did not know of the procedure for a med error (he must be one of those "perfect" nurses who don't make the occasional med error). Speak with your DON, chances are nothing will come of this so relax :nurse: All nurses make errors at some time, so don't let this dicourage you. Good luck!!!

z's playa · Feb 18, 2005

I just recently had a doctor...give me morphine when it was clearly stated on my chart that I am allergic to it. (hives, rash, swelling) 10 minutes after I even reminded him...he ordered it and being the good pt I am..and not wanting to ruffle feathers by drugseeking behaviour which includes asking what pain meds were ordered...I let them give it to me. 5 minutes later..feeling strange..the doctor came in to ask what was wrong.....he freaked and ran to order Benadryl....and documented the error on my chart.

My point is.....everyone makes mistakes...even doctors and since there were no serious consequences to your oversight...I can't see why you would lose your job. Good luck. :)

Z

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Feb 18, 2005

Relax, Debbie.

If your DON is worth anything at all, she will encourage you to continue on and motivate you to perfect your skills. Yours is certainly not the first med error made there, nor will it be the last. I'm sure they don't go firing every nurse who makes a med error.. unless, of course it becomes routine.

As stated above, allow it to keep you on the alert and to prevent future mistakes, but don't be too hard on yourself ! (((HUGS)))

graysonret · Feb 22, 2005

Don't worry over the med error. I remember when I messed up a patient's meds, and that was years into nursing. Personally, I was very upset, but my supervisor and co-workers were right there with support. I went "strictly by the book" and everything worked out fine. Even the patient understood and didn't get upset...even though she had to take a few extra trips to the bathroom that evening. :). Just learn from the mistake and always remember to double check before giving the patient what is needed. I still triple check heparin and insulin. Something I learned from nursing school and never forgot.

webblarsk · Feb 22, 2005

Everyone makes mistakes. They make you a better nurse. The important thing is that you owned up to it.

If you don't feel comfortable being off of orientation I would certainly discuss this with your DON.

Good luck to you!

LowPaidNurse0000 · Feb 23, 2005

Well, I finally went off of orientation. I am a new nurse, it's my first job, and I had 4 days of orientation. Tonight was HELL! I had to send 2 residents out to the hospital, there were 6 room changes, and i couldn't get caught up for the life of me. Now an order comes in for Biazxin XL. I went to the STAT box and pulled Biaxin, and gave it to the resident. It was not XL! What should I do now? I told the other nurse and he didn't know what to do, so now I have to talk to the DON tomarrow. Will I lose my license? Will I get suspended? I am very worried. Personally, I think I should have had more than 4 days of orientation(especially since I was never a nurse before). HELP!

Yeah, don't sweat it... It will be okay, but thats what i would if you are not comfortable you need to talk to your DON and tell her you would like more orientation... I work in LTC as well but I work with Alzheimers!! That can be a challenge at all times!! But it's fun!!