Specialties Psychiatric
Published Mar 18, 2015
RN1485, BSN
124 Posts
This is just to vent but I ended up making my first major medication error today. Received discharge med orders for me to verify and submit. Pt was to be sent home with some medications plus there was an order for Risperdal Consta 50mg IM. Except, it wasn't an order to actually give; it was just an order for the pharmacy to fill it. So I gave it and turns out he already had gotten it yesterday! I should've checked to see when his last one was given! Now his discharge might be delayed bc of me! I know med errors happen but man I should have listened to my own inner voice rather than the other nurses who said go ahead and give it.
Davey Do
10,605 Posts
You have given yourself the best Take and Advice on this Situation.
I know med errors happen but man I should have listened to my own inner voice rather than the other nurses who said go ahead and give it.
The Important Thing is that you showed your Mettle and Owned Up. Whatever Ramifications can be dealt with Realistically because of your Honesty. You have my Respect for that.
I've made a Few Med Errors in my Career. I am more at Peace with myself because, like you, I came Clean and Dealt with the Situation.
It's much easier to Sleep with Oneself under these Circumstances.
The Very Best to you, RN1485.
Hygiene Queen
2,232 Posts
I'm sorry that happened!
You owned up to it and learned that you just need to check things for yourself.
That is exactly how I made my first med error. I was told to give a patient a PRN benzo and they had just gotten it! I was stupid for giving it.
Never did that again and neither will you!
I'm curious as to what happened with your patient.
Did the patient's discharge end up getting delayed?
Did the patient end up exhibiting any signs of over-dosage?
How are you doing now?
He ended up getting discharged the next day. The nurses just made sure to monitor him closely for s/s of eps. As far as I know, he was fine.
I'm good but of course I wish it hadn't happened. I will definitely know better next time!