Medication Error

[CMA-RN29]

Hey everyone,

I am not a nurse yet, I am in school for my RN. I made a medication error and now I feel like I should never be a nurse. Does anyone else feel this way? The patient was not harmed because of it and I honestly just didn't go over my 6 rights well enough. I now how the 6 rights written on my badge so I will always do it but it was a dumb mistake and I feel terrible. My job does not take lightly to this either. I really just question my ability to be an RN after this. I love school and do well and love my job and patients. Am I the only one to make a mistake?

[OCNRN63, RN]

Medical assistant can admin meds and vaccines. I know I messed up but I do have an associates degree for medical assisting. They don't have to verify anything. And I don't work in a Pcp office either. Basically the only difference between my RN and I is that an RN can give narcotics and start iv's.

If you think that's the only difference between you and an RN...

Never mind.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

Thank you, my work is not cool about this and I feel awful. They make it seem like it has never been done before.

That's crazy! Like others have said - if someone says they haven't made a med error most likely they aren't being honest.

Try not to be too hard on yourself - it didn't harm the patient, right?

Try not to beat yourself up about the error. As long as you are able to learn from the error that's a biggie. As long as the patient's ok and you report your med error when it happens and not try to cover it up - seems like they wouldn't be too hard on you.

Anne, RNC

[3ringnursing, BSN]

To err is human, is it not?

Thankfully no one was harmed. You are being far too hard on yourself. Start over, be extra couscous and remember what lead to the mistake in the first place.

Perfection is a trait we all would like to have, but the odds are not in our favor to achieve such lofty goals.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Gave a TDap instead of a flu vac. Wrong pre filled vial.

Provided they're not allergic to Tdap, at least you're learning these lessons on a fairly harmless mistake

[neuron]

I have made a med error. I felt humiliated. It involved a narcotic so I had to make a statement, tell the nurse, DON..Hoping to take the NCLEX this Dec. it makes you more empathetic and nonjudgmental

[KrCmommy522, BSN, RN]

Thank you, my work is not cool about this and I feel awful. They make it seem like it has never been done before.

Like other's have pointed out, as a MA, you are to be working under direct supervision of a licensed person (e.g., RN, physician, etc.). As a result, wouldn't it be that person who the work should be most upset with. Yes, you are responsibile in the end, because you gave the med and you didn't follow the 6 rights (which it sounds like you are taking responsibility for your part in this), but it is also the responsibility of the licensed person who should be supervising you. Even if it is regular practice where you work for a licensed person not to be double-checking to ensure you are giving the right med. You are unlicensed, as a result, you are to be working under the direct supervision of someone who is licensed. Is that not correct?