angelkim63

Thank you for all the advice, it really helps. It was unknown to myself and the charge nurses that the parents have power of attorney, which was found out after the fact. It was something that was not put on her chart visible to all nor was it ever mentioned in reports. But the policy/procedure regarding immunizations is what is covering me if there is no specific order that it was contraindicated in her case. I guess I'll find out what happens when I go back to work tomorrow.

I'm a med-surg / acute physical rehab nurse at a fairly large hospital where I live. Part of the admission process includes immunization screening for the flu and pneumonia shot. It is part of the nursing standardized order set to screen for these 2 shots, and if the patient meets criteria, then it is okay to be given. I had a patient who was admitted a few weeks ago, and never received an immunization screening. My charge nurse asked me to do one for this patient, who was a 22 year old recovering from a brain injury. For the most part, she is alert and oriented times three and aware of her care. I asked this patient if she wanted to receive her flu shot and if she wanted to wait until her parents came to ask them. She told me to go ahead and give her the flu shot that night. I questioned her twice, and each time she said it was okay. I come to find out today (the day after) that her mom became very angry that it wasn't cleared with her, especially because she feels it may have affected her leg on the side where the shot was given. I gave it in the left deltoid and the next day she was having pain in her left leg. I didn't have this patient today, but I didn't want to go reading through the records to see what is happening. So I'm extremely paranoid on this part, wondering if I will be in the blame for anything to happen? My charge nurse today questioned why I did this without getting a doctors order, which I responded by saying it is part of the nursing standardized order set for the hospital, where we don't have to get the order from the doctor. But I still feel extremetly worried about this and about my license. I'm still a new RN and I'm scared to lose my license and job . And has anyone ever given a flu shot where it resulted in an adverse reaction? Please any advice will help.