Medication Errors: Do you tell the patient?

[javanurse2000, BSN, RN]

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?

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

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

[aura_of_laura]

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

[clemmm78, RN]

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

[StNeotser, ASN, RN]

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?

[Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN]

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

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

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

[javanurse2000, BSN, RN]

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.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

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.