I'm worried about making a mistake that may harm a patient...

avahnel, ASN, RN · Feb 20, 2009

We are taught in med administration to know the drugs you are giving, and why the patient is receiving them. Also we have to check the drug being given to the MAR three times before administering them to a patient.

Assessment skills are learned through practice, and we practice them a lot in nursing school. I am in my second semester now, and can already start to "think like a nurse". That is what my instructors keep on harping at. Last week in skill test out, the instructor gave me a few moments to pull the info out of my head--she knew they had put it in there!! It just took a few minutes to come out. By this time next year I won't need that extra time (I hope!!!!)

Good luck in your decision!!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2009

They teach you how to give medications safely by checking what you are giving at least 3 times. We all overlook symptoms--that is why each patient is assessed by more than one person. Studies were done long ago counting the number of healthcare personnel who interacted with each patient daily and it was something like 150! Out of 150 people, you missing one significant thing is likely to be picked up and noticed by one of the other 149.

Believe me, we all had the same worries as you when we went into this career. If you weren't concerned about these things I'd be wondering about ya.

Lunaticus, LPN · Feb 20, 2009

Don't worry, besides extensive training on the administration of medications, most nursing schools have several safeguards to protect both you and the patient. When you first start to give meds, for example, you will most likely have to go over all of your Six Rights of Medication Administration (or is it seven now. . . or maybe 27? :bugeyes: ) with your nurse and then again with your instructor. If your nurse is not present, in the room, your instructor DEFINITELY will be. When you're more competent, you will still have your instructor watching you like an x-ray visioned hawk, and your nurse will likely, also, be in the room. The closer you come to graduation, the more automy you will receive, but by then, you will have medication administration permanently burned into your brain. Toss in a good, drug handbook, some common sense, and the knowledge to know when to ask for help, and you'll be just fine! :up:

earthcrosser · Feb 20, 2009

It's scary to think about the possibly making a mistake with a medicine (especially when you go to areas where even the smallest dosing error can result in bad things), but that is why many schools have you look up the medications and do the calculations beforehand. It's stressful, but usually your nurse or instructor should be there to assist you with going through the medications before giving them. Get as much practice looking up the drugs and doing calculations as possible. The more comfortable you can get doing the math, the better - sometimes, doctors make mistakes and they aren't caught until the bedside nurse is checking the medication.