newer nurse confused by med error situations

Published

Hi all Im new here. I was just wondering what to do if anything about an incident that happened the other day. I was brought in by my supervisors about a matter that I had no clue about. They told me I have made four med errors since Ive been there in 8 months. I only knew of one. They said I left meds in a drawer and they found them the next shift but they never called and told me it happened. Apparently it occured months ago and then just recently. I dont know why they waited all this time to tell me about it. I mean I could have given the patient the medication but stocked the drawer twice. I had it happen with a resident I got his pills ready and went to give them to him but he was in the restroom.So i stuck them back in his drawer (in the back part) and finished my med pass. Later I realized I needed to give him his meds (still in time frame) and I just pulled from the boxes instead of grabbing the ones I had already pulled. I didnt realize it until later when I was cleaning my cart and saw the meds. I feel like they shouldnt be able to punish me for something I didnt even know I did when it occured months ago. I understand if I made a med error I will admit it, but why wait so long.... stressed and dont know what to do.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did you actually get punished or just spoken to?

Those seem like small potatoes but it is pretty important to keep track of your patient's medications.

Remember, those are their medications, not yours or the facilities and some of those bad boys are expensive.

Chalk it up to a life lesson, what if those had been narcotics?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I agree 100% that they should inform you as soon as possible so that you can explain or change your practice. That said however I'm not sure I would buy the explanation that you re-pulled the meds rather than using the prepared cup, even if it is true, so I'd probably skip mentioning that so you don't look like you are trying to make flimsy excuses months down the road.

We all make med errors and imo a nurse that denies that is either a liar or worse, oblivious to the errors they have made, so the best thing to do is apologize, figure out what happened and work to prevent it in the future which of course is way easier to do if you are told as soon as they are discovered. Hang in there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have no problem admitting if I made a med error. Im only human and sometimes things happen and its your responsibility as a nurse. I was just upset that they never told me about them and sprung them on me months later. I was suspended for one week and today I find out what they are going to do. I think I could have prevented the other errors if I had been told about it in the first place. I would think they would want me to sign something or talk to me about it. I love my job but I just dont know anymore... thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi,

I am so sorry to hear that, they should tell you at the time it occurs not later. I am a new nurse too and I understand.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am about 100% sure the reason they are doing this is not because of the situation you described. The situation you described is the excuse, the paper trail, they are using to punish you.

Happens all the time, you upset them but they cannot officially punish you for that thing so they focus in like a laser on something else.

How often are you calling in? Any problems with any of your supervisors or other Nurses? Have you been counciled for anything else?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion