Today I gave my pt. 2mg IV Ativan for anticipatory anxiety for a MRI. Her order was for 1mg, I obviously read the order wrong.
Later in the day, she was difficult to arouse, but her VSS. The following RN elected not to give any form of pharmacology reversal (Narcan), and called the SUP.
The pt. was sent to the ICU and now is vented.
I'm so sick thinking of what I may have done to this woman. Can anyone please tell me of my rights as a RN? I spoke to my SUP and admitted "I read the order wrong". Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I've a stellar Nursing record, and I can't even think of the worse case scenario.
Thank you for your kind words. I haven't heard from my workplace so I assume I'm in the clear. Yes, it's sad to walk on eggshells when you want to help people.
Thank you so much for responding. This is exactly what went down, and how I'm feeling. I couldn't sleep or eat I was so sick over it. What's interesting is your honest comment gets no likes, yet a bullying comment on here gets 30+ likes. Go figure.
Thank you for recognizing this in fact is a hindrance to our job, and not "an excuse" or cop out. If a co-worker bullies you, it disrupts your ability to think clearly.
I will definitely check out the website you have generously provided.
I see you've been a RN for almost 30 years, you are a leading example of what a true leader is. xo
Thank you. I did some reflecting since this post. I now realize I just don't pass meds until I can find another RN. I did take accountability. If it didn't show up in the wording, I can't be responsible for how people read things.
Yes, her VSS and her ABG's were fine. She was only alert to self on admit, so it's hard to say. I'm on tomorrow, so I'll get to follow up. Thank you for your time.
Here's the thing. My co-worker did tell me. Crying. When I first started, stating "let this be a lesson for you". I stay away from gossip. I'm known as the RNyogi. Never assume.
Wrench Party
823 Posts
You made a medication error. We all have. Now learn from it and move on.
For the record, I've given a ton of 2 mg Ativan PO for outpatient procedures, and have never seen someone end up on a vent from
it. Barely touches grown adults. Obviously there's something else going on there!