Wrong dose med error

[Ehhh15]

Hi everyone, I'm a new grad on orientation at a MS/tele unit. Around the end of my shift while checking my MAR, I realized I had given the wrong dose of Gabapentin to a patient, I only gave 300mg but the dose was for 600mg. I wasn't able to give another dose because it was due early on my shift. We have pyxis but we're stil using paper MAR. I reported it and there was no harm done. It was my first day of orientation for night shift. I just wanted to know if this type of error is common and if it is usually reported?

[Scottishtape]

Med errors are "common" in that they are always happening somewhere, because we are human. The important thing with med errors is to treat them like a bright red indicator for you to change aspects of your care. Use it to make sure you triple check before you're giving meds.

As far as how often it's reported: well, that depends on the integrity of the nurse. I have worked with several nurses who would cover up anything they could, and I've worked with nurses who would report any variance.

You made a mistake, you reported it, so learn from this.

Good luck.