Essay On Medication Error In Nursing

Drug administration is an integral part of a nurse’s role. Responsibility for correct administration of medication rest with the nurse, yet medication errors are a persistent problem associated with the nurse practice act. Medication errors are a multidisciplinary problem and multidisciplinary approach is required in order to reduce the incidence of errors. Drug administration forms a major part of the of a process that also involves doctors and pharmacist (Betz & Levy, 1985). Medicines are prescribed by the doctor and dispensed by the pharmacist, but responsibility for the correct administration rests with the registered nurse and student nurse. Each registered nurse is accountable for his or her practice. This practice includes preparing, checking and administering medications, updating …show more content…
Most errors are preventable by maintaining the six rights of medication administration rules. Medication errors lengthen hospital stays, and increase inpatient expenses. Preventing medication errors must start with educating the staff. Continuing education of the nursing staff can help reduce medication errors. Medications that are new to the hospital should receive high teaching priority. Caregivers should teach patients the name of each medication they are taking. Teach them also what the medications are for and how it should be taken. Nurses should not be interrupted during medication pass. Nurse should only pass meds to one patient at a time. Medications should be packaged in clearly labeled packages. Be mindful of look-a-like or sound-a-like drugs. Hospitals should use commercially available products to decrease the need for iv compounding medications and iv mixing. For a nurse who makes a medication error, consequences may include disciplinary action by the state board of nursing, job dismissal , mental anguish, and possible civil or criminal charges. To safeguard against medication errors, be conscientious about performing the six rights of medication