Nursing Nuggets >> Drug Zone >> CD mistake
CD mistake
3 posts back to top |
Posted about 1 year ago I made a Controlled Drug error 2 days ago with another newly qualified nurse. I have only been qualified 7 weeks, so it has really knocked my confidence! I have been so ill this last couple of days, and have not left my bed. I just dont know how to get over it! The patient was not harmed in any way as it was his own CD, but it was a mixup between the two drugs oxycontin and oxynorm and he was on a very large amount. To be honest, i dont think it was dealt with very well in regards to the way i was 'told off' about it, but i just cannot face going back to work and feel so ashamed. Just the thought of how bad this situation could have been makes me sick and i just dont feel like i am cut out for this job! |
73 posts back to top |
| Posted about 1 year ago what you mean a mix up of oxycontin and oxynorm? did you give the wrong drug? remember you had only been qualified 7 weeks, and the other nurse was also newly qualified. not an excuse really, but i think someone with abit of experience should have checked it with you or the other nurse. please dont let this put you off! im sure you are a great nurse, and no doubt you have learned from this mistake. x |
|
Account Removed
0 posts back to top |
| Posted about 1 year ago If every nurse who made a drug error took to their beds and couldn't face returning to work, then healthcare in this country would grind to a halt. |
11 posts back to top |
| Posted about 1 year ago just out of interest, aren't these both basically the same drug? |
|
3 posts back to top |
| Posted about 1 year ago Looking back on this error now I don't inderstand why I was so Ill. I have put it behind me, but in some ways I am glad it happened because I am much more conscientious and i have learnt a lot from making this error. I am much more careful with all medications and especially cd's, not like I was just slab dash all the time to begin with, but I am ultra careful now! Part of the reason I took to my bed and felt so awful was because I thought people at work would be ashamed and appaled at me, but they were actually really supportive! The difference with oxynorm and oxycontin is that one is a slow release tablet given only once every 12 hours, whereas the other is short acting and can be given every 4 hours. So I basically gave a 12 hour dose not long after he had already had it! It's silly that they are called such similar names really! |
|
Account Removed
0 posts back to top |
| Posted about 1 year ago It's really good to hear that you've learnt through your error, and your peers were supportive. If only more NQs who make drug errors would realise it's not the end of the world. We've all done it (whether it was picked up or not) and no doubt most of us will do it again. All we can do is try and minimise the amount of errors we make, but in the end we are all human and errors will inevitably occur. |
