cdwlpn

I to am a new LPN of only a year, working MED SURG and going to RN school. I hate to admit it, but I also have made several med errors. Looking back at the times I made those lerrors, I was very busy with an average of 8 to 10 pts, and my attention being pulled away from my MAR for various reasons by Techs, other nurses, the secretary, etc.. I have learned that when I am reading my MAR, thats my main focus for that exact minute, unless it an emergency. I check the Meds I pull from my med drawer, or the med dispense with my MAR as i pull them, and put a check mark by them. I check them again when i open them to administer, and I tell my patient every med I'm giving them. Most pts know what meds they have been taking, if on long term drug therapy. If they don't know the name, they know what their pills look like. They sometimes question names they havn't heard before. When I have a 10mg tab and need to give 5mg, I write 1/2 on the pill foil/back so when i open it to administer, its a little reminder not to forget to give 1/2. If I have to give 2, I'll write x2 on the pill foil/back.Taking time and a few extras steps, like we had to do in nursing school has helped me greatly.