Medication error is one of the night mares for clinically practicing nurses, midwives or nursing associates. We will give you an example of a reflective account on Missed Medication in this article.
NMC Revalidation Reflective Account on Missed Medication
As per the format given by NMC, any reflective account should be written under the four headings. Lets discuss it one by one.
Missed medication during drug rounds.
What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?
I learnt the importance of checking the drug chart thoroughly including all the pages and medicines given in previous shift as well. I also learned the need for nurses to have thorough knowledge of the medications given to the patient. If you find anything wrong with prescription, it is also important to challenge the prescriber.
How did you change or improve your practice as a result of missed medication?
I made sure that I read all the pages and prescriptions thoroughly before administering medication during medication rounds. Observations are always checkedfor any abnormalities before giving medications. I am now checking of the legibility of prescription and is able to challenge the prescriber if I find anything wrong with the prescription. I make sure that the patient understand the indication of medication and its possible side effects before administering medication. In case the medication can’t be administered in the prescribed route, I will check for any other alternative forms of the same medicine which can be administered to the patient. For e.g. Tab aspirin 300 mg PO has a rectal preparation as well with the same strength. So I can make sure that a critical medicine is not missed in this way.
I am now administering the critical medications on time without any delay. Regularly, i do make a note in handover on any patients who are on critical medications, which removes the chance of missed medications. Also, i follow the 10 rights of medications while administering medications. I have also improved my knowledge on the common medications administered on my area after this particular incident. If any medications is not administered, I make sure that the correct code is put, nurse in charge is informed and will write the reason for non-administration in notes/drug chart as per hospital policy.
How is this relevant to the Code?
The themes relevant to this code are Practise effectively, Preserve safety, Promote Professionalism and trust.
NHS Pharmacy update on Missed Medication – Click Here
Hopes this article throws light to develop your own reflective account on any experience you choose. Thanks for reading.