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Discussion

Medication Error

I feel so stupid. The other day I made an medication error. Some background I work as an RN at a LTC facility. I have only been working as a new RN for about 9 months. The other day I decided to pick up an extra shift. However, when I went in for my shift I found out that we were short nurses on every floor and PSWs. Also, the facility is dealing with a gastro outbreak, not fun. So I ended up having to do the med pass on my floor for one side. I do not usually do the med pass but when you short you got no choice. I ended up giving a medication to a resident who didn't need it at the time. I feel so stupid. I didn't realize my mistake until after I had given the med. I filled out the med error report, reported it to my supervisor, and notified the on call doctor.

I know nurses make medication errors but I feel not only stupid but humiliated. I know I may have to have a talk with my supervisor which I'm dreading. No likes being called in to the manger's office. From now on I will be quadruple checking the med orders and meds I will be giving. I feel like quitting. Does anyone have any advice on how to move forward?

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    Oh no you do not need to quit over something this minor and honestly there is no need to feel ashamed.Its obvious you have high standards but you are not allowing yourself to be human.Human beings make mistakes and we also make some pretty bad decisions and need to learn from them and then let go and move on.You do this by putting the problem or mistake into perspective.What is the worst thing that was going to happen to this patient by receiving this medication.I bet not much because it sounds as if the patient just got the medication that was prescribed to them but when they really did not need it.So please allow yourself to be human and correct the error and move on.Tell the supervisor what happened and what you will do to prevrnt it from happening again.I want you to then think of all the things you did this past week to help a patient no mattrr how little and because you were there their life was made a bit easier.

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    • Author
    Oh no you do not need to quit over something this minor and honestly there is no need to feel ashamed.Its obvious you have high standards but you are not allowing yourself to be human.Human beings make mistakes and we also make some pretty bad decisions and need to learn from them and then let go and move on.You do this by putting the problem or mistake into perspective.What is the worst thing that was going to happen to this patient by receiving this medication.I bet not much because it sounds as if the patient just got the medication that was prescribed to them but when they really did not need it.So please allow yourself to be human and correct the error and move on.Tell the supervisor what happened and what you will do to prevrnt it from happening again.I want you to then think of all the things you did this past week to help a patient no mattrr how little and because you were there their life was made a bit easier.

    Thanks for the positive comments. The resident didnt suffer any ill affects which is good. I just cant get over that fact that I made this mistake. I usually double and sometimes triple check things. But with how the shift went and what was happening I guess I was being pulled apart trying to get to many things done. If I do have to talk to my supervisor I will be sure to explain what happened and what I will do to prevent it from happening again.

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    • Experts

    Are you serious? Did you really expect an error-free career? Everyone feels crappy when they realize they made an error. You did the right things: you reported it to everyone to whom it needs to be reported. You've resolved to be more careful. You recognize you were working under rough circumstances. That's how it goes.

    It's probably standard for the manager to talk to anyone who's made an error. Of course you will let her know you feel bad about it because you take pride in being conscientious. That's it. Don't be any humbler than you need to be. You are not a school girl being called into the principal's office. You are a professional dealing with a normal professional issue. **** happens. You did the mea culpas. Now you can dust yourself off and move on.

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    You were overworked.. you did not have enough time to pass meds safely. Administration know this. STOP blaming yourself for unsafe working conditions.

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