Medication Errors: What happen to you because of it?

[DLHRNUSAF]

I am a experienced nurse of 18 years plus. I have all ways turned myself in, because I want to protect my patient. When I received a warning letter (incorrect setting of IV Pump, I could not prove it was not me) and than it turned to probation and if a medication error happen again I would be suspended of fired. So I left there. Could not work under that pressure. I went to another hospital and got a warning letter for giving the patient the wrong meds(No complication), I turned my self in for this all so.

Approximately 3-4 weeks latter I turned my self in again for error in Insulin dosage again I was concerned about my patient and turned in. I was called at home and was fired. Talk about feeling down I was. Just bought a new House and was off work, worked sparing with Nurse agency approximately 6 months. Working again where I left in a different department in the hospital I left. Things are better for now. Because of my experience I have been a perceptor and a resource for other less experienced nurses on my current unit. I believe the IV pump may have malfunctioned (cell phone). and second was due to poor staffing. Good or bad lets here about it .

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

No nurse is immuned to medication errors. We have all made them. I have filed incident reports when I have made errors and ended up being put on the carpet, only to find out other nurses just let it go. No one can make someone practice with intregity or honesty. CAMC is a good organization to work for, but like all hospitals, it is often who you know higher up or how well the NM likes you as to how severely you are punished.

I guess each one of us has to dance to the drummer inside. I am sorry you have experienced severe actions because you were honest . I am willing to bet that your patients appreciate the care you give them. Experience cannot be subsituted or faked in nursing.

Have a good holiday season and try to focus on the positive aspects of your job. :angels2:

[NurseDixie]

You did the right thing by reporting the errors. I don't really see how they could blame you for the IV pump error.

As a student I made a few errors, one patient I gave 2 colace, the order stated to give 2 the first time and then only 1 a day after that, and I gave 2 d/t not reading the order clearly. I learned my lesson, and I always double check the orders and the MARS before I give the meds.

Dixie

[K O'Malley]

I hate to say it, but a huge number of med errors take place and are never reported. Those who are honest and make an incident report inevitably get penalized.