What should a nurse do if she makes a medication error?

What should a nurse do if she makes a medication error?

If you make a medication error, return to the basics of the six rights of medication administration: the right drug, dose, route, time, patient and documentation. If the patient tells you it is the wrong medication or treatment, stop and check the order.

Can a nurse be fired for a medication error?

That is, a nurse cannot be terminated for cause unless there has been willful mis- conduct or intentional dis- regard of the employer’s interests. Nurses sometimes commit medication errors. Medica- tion errors always have a potential to harm patients and sometimes do harm the patient.

Why do nurses not report medication errors?

An important reason why nurses may not be willing to report their errors is a cultural one. Fear of punishment and legal consequences in clinical practice has always been one of the barriers to error reporting. It is estimated that about 95% of medication errors are not reported due to the fear of punishment.

What can get you fired as a nurse?

Top 5 Reasons Nurses Get Fired

  • Too Many Absences. Absences are a common reason nurses get fired.
  • Habitually Late to Work.
  • Failure to Update Licenses and Certifications.
  • Drug Abuse.
  • Patient Abuse.

What is purpose of medical errors nursing CE course?

The purpose of this course is to ensure that nurses understand the risk of medical errors and their impact on patient outcomes. Upon completion of this activity, learners should be able to: Discuss the incidence of medical errors. Identify common medication errors. Understand the nurse’s role and responsibilities in preventing medical errors.

How does a nurse help prevent medical errors?

Nurses are well-positioned to educate the entire healthcare team as well as the public on identifying risk and preventing medical errors, as well as the proper way of reporting and reconciling medical errors or near misses (IHI, 2017).

How to avoid medical errors in any practice setting?

Compare three methods to avoid medical errors in any practice setting. CEUFast Inc. did not endorse any product, or receive any commercial support or sponsorship for this course. The Planning Committee and Authors do not have any conflict of interest. Nursing Assistants from California, only.

What does it mean to have a medication error?

Medication errors are “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the healthcare professional, patient, or consumer” (National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention, 2018).