med error

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I made an serious med error recently and I am having a hard time getting over it. I have been an RN for 2 years and was recently laid off of my job. I was called in to work a midnight shift and at the end of my shift I was in a hurry to go home. My pt. was supposed to give 26units of lantus insulin and I gave regular insulin instead. the terrible thing is that I had another nurse verify the order and she just checked the dosage and order on the MAR and not the name on the insulin pen as I had my hand over the name not realizing this at the time. I don't know how I could have done this as I have given these two meds before many times without a problem. Needless to say I had to call the MD and nursing supervisor, also appoligize to the pt. and spouse. Got new orders from MD, have an IV put in and monitor VS and BS hrly. I had agreed to work for another nurse on this unit today on afternoons before this happened and now I am afraid to even go to work. I need advice please!!!!!

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, Home Health,ER.

I had a friend who gave an insulin injection instead of the ordered heparin injection.....I learned from her mistake. All I can tell you is this mistake may make you a better nurse - you will most likely NEVER make that mistake again because you are going to be more cautious now than you have ever been when giving meds (especially insulin)....I am curious though....what did the other nurse that verified your insulin order say after the incident?

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

You need to stand up and go to work. That was a med error for sure, but you have to face it. Make the occurrence report and take whatever steps to never repeat this. Why didn't the other nurse look at the insulin? She is at least partially responsible.

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Specializes in LTC.

First, med errors happen, another will come but hopefully not for a long time. You have to put it behind you and get right back to work. You have been an RN for 2 years. One error like this does not negate all that you have learned over that period of time. You know your job, you were just human, it happens. :)

Second and last, yeah the other nurse verified the order but in the end YOU administered the drug in error. It was your mistake, her name is not going on that paperwork. Whether in a hurry or not, you should have called the doctor and verified the order if it still was unclear. I say this because if you allow yourself to say, 'It was her fault, I asked what she thought and now this happened.' then you won't kick yourself in the butt enough and you will forget this horrible feeling and your next error may come sooner than later.

Thanks for posting this. We learn from others mistakes as well.

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to Weary LPN, First and foremost I want you to know that I never put blame on the other nurse. I take full responsibility for my error. I called the doctor as soon as I realized my mistake and followed all the proper channels to correct this error.the order was very clear on the e-mar. the mistake occured because I was in a hurry and grabbed the wrong insulin pen. I am back to work and have gotten alot of support from my co-workers. I now am very careful to do all my checks before giving any medications. I really appreciate the feedback and the support from everyone. I have vowed to make sure this will not happen again to me or any other nurse.

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm glad things are going well and that you have the support of your peers. It really helps! Sounds like you are at a good place.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice, Palliative Care.

Hi Curlup, I think that we've all been there - made an error, beat ourselves up, and have a hard time "getting back on the horse". But you can take comfort in knowing that you did exactly the right thing to ensure the patient's safety. I appreciated hearing your story, because it will remind me to continue to be cautious with insulin bottles - I work 3-11; one of my patients has four different types of insulins, and it is my habit to do a "time out" before I start to draw it up. I never get out of work on time but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Go back to work and know that you are a better nurse for this!

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