Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Medication Errors: Do you tell the patient?

I've been helping to orient some new grads to our facility and the subject of medication errors came up. When I graduated nursing school it was procedure to inform the oriented patient (or their responsible party) if a medication error was made. The note would simply say that whatever was given (or not given), provider notified, new orders and patient outcome. More recently, our policy is that it is left to the discretion of the DON if and when an error is disclosed - the note hasn't changed. The new grad told me that this is what is being taught in nursing school now. My question is: Do you still tell the patient or not?

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    Well, they're going to have to know at some point.

  • Quote

    We are required to tell them, and call the parents or guardians. It can be a hassle, but it provides a strong incentive to not make errors in the first place :D

  • Quote

    Where I am, we are required by law to inform the patient or if applicable, legal guardian or POA.

  • Quote

    Yes we are. I have had to do it and believe that it is not only required by law, but it's surely the ethical thing to do, right?

  • Quote

    At one of my hospitals they had 'full disclosure' so we had to tell them.

  • Quote

    I would hope! They are the ones that this happened to!

  • Quote
    • Author
    Yes we are. I have had to do it and believe that it is not only required by law, but it's surely the ethical thing to do, right?

    I agree...I was very surprised to find out that it's being taught in nursing school. Glad to know this is an isolated policy. I can't figure out how it's even legal not inform.

  • Quote

    Yes, I do tell patients when a medication error has been made. As the charge nurse I make this my job and I explain to the patient about the medication and what the potential issues might be regarding that particular medication. I have only had to do this twice in my 32 year career.

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.