Nursing Student Medication Administration Practice in the Clinical Setting: A Descriptive Study

Nurses are instrumental in preventing medication errors that cause patient harm. Increased practice and educational interventions are suggested to prepare nursing students to safely administer medications. However, a quantified account of the reality of nursing student medication administration practice in the clinical setting is unknown.

This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the frequency and quality of nursing student medication administration practice in the clinical setting. A convenience sample of prelicensure nursing students (n = 222) completed an electronic Nursing Student Medication Administration Survey after each clinical day for one semester.

Overall, participants on average had one medication administration experience, administered two drugs, and administered medications to one patient. Most medication administration experiences were supervised by bedside RNs.

Medication administration opportunities in the clinical setting are unpredictable and vary by facility and nursing program policy. Further investigation is necessary. [.