Medication Error

[g61j]

I just interviewed for an ER position and don't think I did so well. A question was asked:"What would you do if you had a Medication Error?" The first thing that came to mind was check pt. (I wish I had used the word "assess" instead) then notify charge nurse of error. What should I have said? The interview lasted about 30 mins, is that a good or bad sign. Thanks

[nursing twin, CNA]

I think that would be an okay answer. I have made errors so unfortunately know from the hard way. you notify the doctor...depending on the med given depends what you would watch for...example blood pressure med you would recheck BP. Let the patient know and apologize...most times patients are pretty forgiving when you explain the situation and are honest with them. Fill out an incident report so that you and others can learn from the error and figure ways to prevent it from reoccuring. Let the charge nurse know. I think in a interview they are probably wanting to here that you would report it and have the patients best interest in mind.

[PAERRN20]

I think that was a fine answer. I would have added notify the physician. But it sounds like you did fine! Relax...the worst part is over!

[RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

good anwser. esp on the spot. i dont ever look at time of interview, because eveyrone does it diff. time doesnt matter.

-gl!!

-H-RN

[DudeNurseRN]

Unfortuately med errors happen. We're people and we are going to make mistakes at one time or another. Statistically the more medications that you have to give, the higher the chance of having an error. 5 rights is great, but certainly not error proof.

I think assess the pt was a great answer! And consulting with the charge RN (because you're new, and you WILL be doing this a lot trust me) would eventually get you access to the other parts that go along with it... e.g. notify physician, fill out incident report ect.. Regardless of what happens with the interview the answer that you gave was the right one.

[Anisettes, BSN, RN]

I agree with all the posters above - assess pt, notify MD, continue to monitor, fill out incident report, etc... Human beings make mistakes, I think what the NM may have been looking for was your readiness to admit to and take ethical and professional responsibility for your error as well as to assess your knowledge of what immediate steps to take to protect your patient.

With so many people in the world these days dodging responsibility and making excuses instead amends, as long as you always strive to do your best and immediately step up to the plate when you screw up, you can always look at yourself in the mirror with a clear conscience, knowing you did your best and nobody has the right to ask for more (though they frequently do!).

Your answer was fine. Best of luck to you