Patient Died from Med Allergy

[NewRN08]

I just found this site and had to post. Ive had the worst day today. One of my biggest nightmares has come true! I killed a patient! Obviously, it was an accident but that is of little comfort to me right now. I've sat here and cried for hours -- I had to leave work early. ...Administered a medication they were allergic to it. It was in their file, but I was told to give it and I didn't double check. Clearly, more than myself is involved in this. I'm so worried -- I may lose my license. I'm utterly devastasted this happened. I think this is my last day of nursing... I can't fathom going back as just started 10 months ago. Just had to vent guys.

[MarySunshine]

I would remove even the information that you've given us about the situation from your post, for legal reasons. You're in my prayers.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I'm so sorry.

[AimeeJo RN]

I am very sorry for all involved. This is a sad case, and a mistake that could be made by many, hopefully your story helps prevent someone else's mistake. I know I will pay closer attention.

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

I am so sorry NewRN08. I can not even put into words how I am feeling for you and the family at this moment. I can only offer you my prayers. Just know that we are here for you when you need to talk. May God be with you during this very difficult time.

Sending may hugs your way!

My2Giants

[2011NursingStudent]

You are human. There is not one human in the world that is 100% perfect and does not make errors. I currently work in IT - I have made errors that crashed a server. No matter what field you work in - nursing, science, IT, business, law, no matter what it is, you will hurt a patient, mess up a culture, crash a server, lose a case, etc. God did not make us perfect people. There will be some people who say that nurses and doctors "cannot afford" to make mistakes - well they do. And this sounds absolutely horrible to say, but many, many doctors and nurses have killed people, because they are human & humans make mistakes. Do you have to be more careful? Of course!!! But will you make more mistakes? Yes! You will always make mistakes. Hopefully not so serious, but you are new & you are learning. I do not think you should quit nursing. Take the opportunity to save and help as many people as you can and be extremely careful in the future. There will most likely be repercussions for what happened, but you will just have to accept that and find a way to move on. If you are Catholic, go to confession. The priest will help/guide you and I don't think he will say anything like you are unforgivable, or that you should quit.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

There but for the grace of God goes any one of us, including me. Especially as a new grad, I was just lucky enough to get through it without hurting someone. It's a horrible mistake, but that doesn't make you a horrible nurse. I'm sure you'll get a LOT of follow up about this, but please remember that mistakes happen to everyone, and a mistake does not equal a sin.

[Jo Dirt]

There is no happy ending to this situation.

I think if this was me I would also make this my last day of nursing.

[Jules A, MSN]

I am so sorry.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

My heart aches for you; mistakes are made and no one is immune to making them. I wish you the best of hope and support at this time.

Please, for Heaven's sake, though, delete your post. It's a public forum and even what you've already posted is enough for a lawyer to wave in front of a jury as proof of your negligence and the need for bloodletting.

Delete. Please.

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

Get rid of this post..NOW. YOu have no defense if this is out there.....my prayers are with you...good luck in your case.

[beachbum3]

I'm so sorry for what you are going through.

I agree with the others though. You need to delete your post, and have the entire thread deleted if you can.

My thoughts will be with you and the pt's family.

beachbum