Med error

[Vonda Vandergriff]

I am a nurse at a county hospital.  I've been there 13 years without incident.  I was accused of giving a patient the wrong medication and put on unpaid leave while they investigate.   I do not believe the patient was harmed, but they won't tell me.

I met with my manager and HR.  I was told an investigation would take up to 10 business days. I asked what medication I was accused of giving incorrectly and was told I could not be given that information. I am being accused and investigated without knowing what medication, or patient, they are referring to.  I have never been written up.  Always in good standing.  What should I do?  I am so fearful to lose my license.  

Thank you,

K

[Nurse Alexa, MSN, RN]

I would think if there has been such an investigation into the medication given that the patient was potentially harmed by this incident. This is very unfortunate and is upsetting, but I can understand how wrong medications are given due to an extensive amount of work and the unit and sometimes our safeguard equipment not working.

I would think it is within your right as a nurse to know completely why you are under investigation and what medication they were concerned about. I would get in touch with your manager or HR and see what is the steps available to take to find out why you are being investigated.

Hope this helps and I cannot imagine the amount of stress you're under. It will get better :) 

[ddebartolo RN]

I understand your frustration. I was accused of giving night time meds during my morning med pass. The meds are labled AM PM or HS. I am positive I did not give HS meds during the dayj. I would have had to bypass AM meds to get to HS meds. I was not given the name of the resident who claims I gave him HS meds. I was also accused of not giving AM meds to a patient with dementia. She has memory issues and I stayed I her room while I pulled her meds she had them in her hand but I did not see if she took them. I am currently suspended without pay pending an investigation. Waiting on HR to review my case. It is so frustrating to be in this position. I have made med errors in the past but I was never suspended for it. any ADVISE would be appreciated.