Nurses' perceptions: when is it a medication error?

This study investigates nurses' perceptions of medication errors and appropriate reporting. Results of the study suggest that nurses may not report because of fear of reprisal. Further, there may be a need to allow for nursing judgment in some instances; at those time, the term "medication error" may not be the most appropriate. Implications for nursing administration include further exploration of nonpunitive processes in response to adverse drug events.