Wife is RN had med incident...wondering if going to loose license?

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My wife is an ICU RN ....2 nights ago she gave a paralytic instead of a preesor to a 78yr old women and she died:uhoh21:. My wife is very tramatized and scared. She has never had any problems what so ever. She's been a RN for 3 yrs. She's well liked and such a sweet person.She is so organized and such a "attention to detail" freak it gets on my nerves,so this was a shock to me. I guess I'd like to know if her FL RN license is in jepoardy. We were planning on travel nursing in 5 months and I was also wondering could that be a problem in getting licensed in other states. This is such a nighmare for us. The family of the women was very understanding. The women was heading to hospice to pass,her kidnies had failed. I know that isn't an excuse,but believe me...my wife is a good nurse and she knows nothing like this would EVER happen again. Is she going to get another chance? Please...anyone with advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

a very sad tragedy for all involved. Our hearts go out to you. Making a mistake like this is something all nurses live in fear of. Of course it is to soon to know what the ramifications will be. All the best to you. Keep us posted.

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Specializes in icu, er, transplant, case management, ps.
My wife is an ICU RN ....2 nights ago she gave a paralytic instead of a preesor to a 78yr old women and she died:uhoh21:. My wife is very tramatized and scared. She has never had any problems what so ever. She's been a RN for 3 yrs. She's well liked and such a sweet person.She is so organized and such a "attention to detail" freak it gets on my nerves,so this was a shock to me. I guess I'd like to know if her FL RN license is in jepoardy. We were planning on travel nursing in 5 months and I was also wondering could that be a problem in getting licensed in other states. This is such a nighmare for us. The family of the women was very understanding. The women was heading to hospice to pass,her kidnies had failed. I know that isn't an excuse,but believe me...my wife is a good nurse and she knows nothing like this would EVER happen again. Is she going to get another chance? Please...anyone with advice would be greatly appreciated.

I live here in X. The impact on her license depends on several things. The circumstances surrounding her error. Was she working an extra shift? Did she have too many patients? Has she ever had any other medication mistakes? And it depends on the actions of her hospital. They are required to report such an error to the BON. The BON will investigate and call her to a hearing. She will be given the opportunity to explain her side of the error and what steps she took to correct her mistake. The BON can suspend or revoke her license. If they suspend her license she can be required to get additional education in terms of pharmacology. I do not know if they will take into consideration that the patient was going to live only for a short period of time. I would guess not because they are concerned about the error.

If she loses her license, she cannot be licensed in another state. Each state ask if one has been suspended or had their license revoked. And when another state grants her reciprocity, they will contact X BON, who must share their information.

I suggest you and your wife find an attorney who specializes in nurses and licensing problems. She can find one by calling the state bar association and asking for the names of three with that specialty.

Woody:balloons:

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I don't have any answers to your question. I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about what happened, for all involved. I hope your wife is ok.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I am sorry to hear this as well. All nurses are subject to making errors. We live in fear of them daily. The circumstances, the volume of patients and the demands made on us leave us open to this daily. I pray for positive results from this.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

If she has nursing liability inssurance, time to contact carrier is NOW; if not follow Woody's advice re obtaining legal counsel.... State Nurses Association should have names too.

Please seek counsel now, do not write further about this issue here nor have her discuss it with anybody outside your home. Protection of her rights to due process and preventing any self incrimination paramount here. Reporting to SBON all depends on how facility views event: tragic mistake with system errors involved or individual who failed to follow policies/procedures. Families response also influence decision.

This can happen to ANYONE of us ......(((HUGS))) to get you through the days ahead.

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Was she working an extra shift? Did she have too many patients? Has she ever had any other medication mistakes? And it depends on the actions of her hospital. They are required to report such an error to the BON. The BON will investigate and call her to a hearing. She will be given the opportunity to explain her side of the error and what steps she took to correct her mistake.

Woody:balloons:

Did she file an ADO(assignment despite objection)? An ADO will substantiate any claims she makes as to the innappropriateness of her assignment. If she filed an ADO it might well save her license.

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I agree, it is time to call her insurer. She should not discuss the matter with anyone but her own attorney, who will be obtained for her by the insurer.

I hope she doesn't lose her license, I hope she is not fired, I hope she is not sued by the family. All of these could happen, maybe none will.

I agree, do not give out any more details here or anywhere else.

If no malpractice coverage, get your own attorney. Go to www.martindalehubbell.com It is a website to find attorneys in various locations and specialties.

Post here in general terms to keep us abreast.

I will pray for all to come out well.

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As with all of the posters above, my family and I will keep you in our prayers. Please keep us posted.

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Health, Cardiology.
I am sorry to hear this as well. All nurses are subject to making errors. We live in fear of them daily. The circumstances, the volume of patients and the demands made on us leave us open to this daily. I pray for positive results from this.

Well said. My thoughts, too.

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Pp have given you good advice, I just would like to add the following:

- Do not consider the hospital's lawyers and/or liability insurers to be your resources; they are not. I sure hope your wife has her own insurer; if not, pay for your own attorney. This is very important. She should not even talk to the hospital's risk management department without the advice and/or presence of her own lawyer. The hospital's lawyers and insurers are looking out for the hospital's best interests and will sacrifice the nurse to limit their own liability. I don't know if she's currently suspended or on leave (and don't tell us here, as others have advised), but if she's still on the schedule, she should consider taking a leave.

- Second, please make sure your wife (or both of you) get counseling about this traumatic incident. And fast. I cannot even imagine how she feels, but I know that she needs help dealing with this.

Although I'm much like your wife regarding attention to detail (and double, triple, sometimes quadruple-checking meds), I know - just like everyone else here - that this could happen to all of us nurses.

Best wishes,

DeLana

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heart wrenching situation

good advise concerning limiting any talk or admitting to any liability

hospital will throw her to wolves, a good lawyer is essential..make sure that this lawyer will meet with you when you are in with any representative of family, hospital superiors, or bon

hang in there..good luck

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