After the Medication Error: Recent Nursing Graduates' Reflections on Adequacy of Education

The purpose of this study was to better understand individual- and system-level factors surrounding making a medication error from the perspective of recent Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates.

Online survey mixed-methods items included perceptions of adequacy of preparatory nursing education, contributory variables, emotional responses, and treatment by employer following the error.

Of the 168 respondents, 55% had made a medication error. Errors resulted from inexperience, rushing, technology, staffing, and patient acuity. Twenty-four percent did not report their errors. Key themes for improving education included more practice in varied clinical areas, intensive pharmacological preparation, practical instruction in functioning within the health care environment, and coping after making medication errors.

Errors generally caused emotional distress in the error maker. Overall, perceived treatment after the error reflected supportive environments, where nurses were generally treated with respect, fair treatment, and understanding. Opportunities for nursing education include second victim awareness and reinforcing professional practice standards. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(5):275-280.].