I helped a nurse prepare an immunization for a child and administered the vaccine. It wasn't till after I administered the vaccine did I realize my nurse pulled up the wrong vaccine and the infant got a double dose of a vaccine that was given previously. I had to fill out an incidence report with my instructor today and I can't help but feel like this is my fault because I shouldn't have trusted that nurse and I should have reconfirmed what I was giving. I'm scared that this mistake might cost me my seat in the nursing program. Has this ever happened to anyone as a student?
Purple_roses 1,763 Posts Apr 14, 2017 How far into the nursing program are you? The reason I ask is because my nursing program is more lenient to 1st semester students, while a 4th semester student would fail for a single safety violation. I don't know of anyone in my class who had a med error, so I've never seen how it's handled.
Extra Pickles 1,403 Posts Apr 14, 2017 It is always the responsibility of the person administering the medication to know exactly what medication she is giving. It isn't a matter of not being able to trust the nurse, her mistake doesn't eliminate yours. It IS your fault because you did not confirm what the vial of medication was that she drew from, it sounds like she drew it up and handed it to you and you didn't look at the vial? No matter who was drawing the thing up, her standing next to you or you yourself, YOU should have looked at it to be sure. We can't possibly know if you'll be dismissed from the program, anyone's guess is as good as anyone else's unless they are on your school's disciplinary board or in charge of your school's nursing program. Some schools may dismiss, some may not.One thing is 100% sure, you are unlikely to repeat this mistake!Good luck to you.
Extra Pickles 1,403 Posts Apr 14, 2017 I am in my third semesterI saw a student dismissed 4th semester for a med violation but it was a pretty bad one, not careless like yours but rather more to do with ethics as she tried to cover it up. Guess you'll find out soon if this will be something that is a disciplinary thing or a dismissal thing.
Extra Pickles 1,403 Posts Apr 14, 2017 forgot to mention that the child's parents will have to be told that their baby received a double dose of a specific vaccine and will still need to be vaccinated with the one not yet given. They are NOT going to be happy people believe me. Their influence and level of anger or forgiveness might just affect your situation as well.
fezz 29 Posts Apr 14, 2017 I'd be surprised. In the end the nurse is responsible and I would think that legally she is more in trouble here. I have never seen anyone get kicked out of nursing school for other things than cheating on exams. As an RN I am responsible for my student.
Been there,done that, ASN, RN 6,915 Posts Has 33 years experience. Apr 14, 2017 I presume it would be up to your program. If you get kicked out, they should kick out your instructor.You are in school to learn, not double check licensed nurses you are SUPPOSED to be learning from.The licensed professional and your instructor are responsible for this error.
LovingLife123 1,577 Posts Apr 14, 2017 The reason I could see was you didn't do the 6 rights of medication administration. While it's not your job to verify the nurse, you still never, ever, give a med with doing the 6 rights. The very first one is right med. Lesson learned, don't ever trust what somebody else draws up and asks you to administer.
Ellie G 186 Posts Apr 14, 2017 I hope not for your sake. Different schools have different policies. When you administer any medication, you are responsible. It doesn't matter who drew it up, opened it, or removed it from the Pyxis. The person who gave it is you. If there is a good thing about this it's the takeaway to check EVERYTHING before you administer.
~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN 5,259 Posts Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics. Has 6 years experience. Apr 14, 2017 It would be very disappointing if you were. You're a student. You're learning and mistakes are expected. That's the whole point of being a student and not being on your own. The mess up shouldn't fall on you but should be used as a learning opportunity.
