Nurses and the administration of medications. Broadening the focus

Nurses administer medications every day as part of their practice. Consequently, many studies have explored nurses and the part they play in medication administration. The focus of these studies has often been limited, concentrating on nurses and drug errors, rather than on incorporating a broader view of nurses and the medication administration process in general. In an attempt to broaden the focus of the discussion about nurses and medication administration, this study used Critical Incident Technique (C.I.T.) to identify registered nurses' perceptions of factors affecting the quality administration of medications in their practice setting. Five categories of themes emerged as having an impact on nurses and the administration of medications: the context, the procedures, the groups of professionals involved, the personal attributes of individual staff, and the client. Implications of the research for nursing education and practice are discussed.