Mistake in LPN to RN Program

[PiperLPN]

I'm just finishing my maternity rotation and last night I didn't ask my patient her name before giving her simethicone. My instructor was with me and she reminded me, but she was furious and told me she would write me up. I'm an LPN and never had trouble in clinical before. I'm crushed. How can I get passed this?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Hang tough and don't do that again.

:)

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

We are human, we make mistakes. I have done that before too. I just learned from the experience and luckily had a instructor who didn't make me suffer too much. And yes, I am an LVN. It's hard to remember when you've already been in that patients room 8 times and you know that the patient's armband has not changed.

You will survive!

[PiperLPN]

Thanks NickiLaughs. It helps so much to hear from someone else who was in that situation.:)

[PiperLPN]

P.S. Even though I am a student, I am also licensed. Can I get in trouble with the Board of Nursing?

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

Not asking a pt their name is not that big of a deal. No, you won't get in trouble with the board.

Also, remember to look at the pt's wrist band to check the name- don't just take the pt's word for it.

[PiperLPN]

I can't thank you enough. And good reminder on checking wrist bands. I'm starting my first job this Saturday at a LTC facility and that's great advice! Thanks again, I feel a little better...ec:yeah:

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

In my school we must ask the patient their name, and check the armbands, and make sure that the medical match. This is done EACH TIME WE GIVE THE MEDICATION!!!

[PiperLPN]

It's a lesson I'll not soon forget. Good luck to ya :wink2:

[kcochrane]

This is something I have to get used to in acute care. We have to ask their name and birthdate everytime we give any med. As a LPN in LTC, I don't usually have to do this because I know each resident and many of them cannot communicate. If I float I have to rely on ID bands and CNAs to help.

Not IDing a patient before giving meds will not effect your license unless you give the wrong meds to the wrong person. If could cause you to fail clinical if it is one of the steps you are tested on with different skills. So use this as a learning experience. Find someway to get yourself to remember to always ID a person before you give any meds or do any treatments.

Good luck!

[PiperLPN]

You guys are great. Thanks so much. :redbeathe

[redlabel]

i think all of us encountered the same problem, i also give a meds to wrong patient and it was so scary and i was sleepless for a few days. but it always a lesson.