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.

[MIKE411]

I will pray for you!!!

[Babs0512]

I agree with a previous poster who stated "a mistake doesn't equal a sin" I would add also that "a mistake doesn't mean you are a killer". Please don't refer to yourself that way.

This was a tragic error, for ALL concerned - and I've no doubt others will be investigated for their part in this tragedy, unfortunately, you ultimately gave the medication that cause the patients demise - and that it a horrible position to be in.

This will be of little comfort to you right now, but even this HUGH error doesn't make you a bad nurse, it makes you human. We ALL make mistakes.

My best advice, and this is just my opinion, would be to focus on what you need to do to protect yourself and your lively hood. Don't believe the hospital attorney will represent you, I would call and speak my own attorney, and follow their advise. I would also have someone with me as a witness for any meetings regarding this case, (although the hospital may balk at it). Stop beating yourself up, you will never forget this mistake, but I'm confident - you will never make the same mistake again.

God Bless

[hisblueskies]

I know you feel devastated by what happened and are ready to give up nursing but please rethink this. When I had been a nurse for 10 months I too gave a medicine to a patient that he was allergic to. The allergy was right on top of his chart but I was in such a rush I completely missed it. Fortunately he didn't die from the mistake but the hospital asked me to leave. I moved on but I am no longer as enthusiastic about nursing as I first was. We all make mistakes and we don't make them intentionally. Take this as a painful learning experience and just move on.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Sounds more like Red Man's syndrome than a full blown allergic reaction....Look up Red Man's syndrome.

edit: I had a patient one time with exact same everything that you described. I was the person receiving a pt on the floor that had a vanco reaction in the ER (this is the only reason I know this - I don't remember ever being taught it and it was something kind of out of the blue). The orders were to continue the vanco in spite of the reaction. Apparently the problem was (suspectedly per the ER doc whom I spoke with regarding the matter,) Red Man's syndrome. I continued the vanco at lower rate and the pt was fine. Maybe I'm a bit ballsy to go ahead and give the med despite the patient having a "reaction" to it several hours beforehand but I trusted the doc and it worked out.

I have heard the same, that usually, Red Man Syndrome occurs when the vanco is given too quickly. Knowing this, I try to slow the rate and hang it first to watch the patient.

[~MIA~, ASN, RN]

Please know that you are in my prayers, as well as the patient's family. I have learned from your mistake. {{{{HUGS}}}}

[Andrew, RN]

NewRN: Whatever you do, don't be alone and if you are thinking about hurting yourself, get help.

I hope you check back and read all the support you have from us. We're here for you.

[ToxicShock]

I am so sorry to hear of this tragic situation. I can't even begin to imagine how hard this must be for you, as well as the family and anyone else involved.

No matter what kind of religious belief you subscribe to, I think we can come to an agreement that everything happens for a reason. The decisions you have made in your entire life, even to the ones you are making this second, have all come together to shape and form who you are as a person.

This is a devastating situation, but there is nothing you can do to take back what happened. Get an attorney, cover all your bases, seek spiritual help (if that is your belief), confide in friends, family. Be strong, and take this as a very important learning experience. Not only in nursing, but also in life.

Don't give up being a nurse. That is admitting defeat. Yes, you made a mistake. It happens. The only thing you can do now is move forward, and help others involved move on as well. Perhaps you can take the time to become an activist for nurses (and other care givers) to check and double check their work. Use this as an example to help others become more careful and aware of their actions. Turn this negative into a positive.

Good luck!!