Clinical Reflection on Practice - Reflection Writing Assignment

Internal Code : TV548

Reflection Writing Assignment  : 

SITUATION

In the labs this week I was to administer a Schedule 8 medication. An S8 medication is a substances and preparations classified as drugs of addiction (NSW HEALTH, 2010). This means that procedure show that two RN s must sign the drug out of the cupboard and administer the medication, to prevent adverse effects.

ACTION

When I was removing the medication from the cupboard with the second student nurse we verified the order and counted the drugs as the policy states. However my tutor came over to check he procedure and noticed we were administering an incorrect dose. According to MIMS (2014), the dose I was going to administer would have had detrimental effects on the patient. This made me feel very shocked and upset that had I been in a hospital that a medication error would have occurred. Medication errors are potentially preventable in 50% of cases (Australian commission on safety and quality in health care, 2011).

OUTCOME

For future practice I will validate the medication order prior to asking the second nurse to sign out. I will always check the order if I am a second checker and make sure I am not disturbed during the process. I feel medication errors are very serious and as a registered nurse I will make sure all the processes relating to administration are followed through with attention to detail.

1. To learn the different types of medication schedules and routes and learn how to administer them proficiently.
2. Apply ethico-legal principals & safe professional nursing care when administering therapeutic substances.
3. Nurses practice in a safe and competent manner (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, 2008).