Student’s Name: Lim, Maria Karen Rose

Ethics in the workplace

If the case is resolved:

Briefcase description: Medication error that was discovered by a senior nurse which
was administered to a person that holds an important position in the university. This
happens during the pandemic where senses and movements are limited due to the
personal protective equipment.

Persons involved (use position or alias):

• University President – the patient;
• 2 Staff nurse – who administered the wrong dose
• Senior nurse – who discovered the underdosage of the medication

If the case is resolved, answer these questions:

• Q1: What was the process of resolution?

When the incident was uncovered, the first step was to notify the staff nurse
who made the error and allow them to recollect the events that led up to it. The
on-duty personnel then told the concerned doctors that there was a medicine
underdose. Our head nurses directed the involved nurses to make an incident
report and profusely apologize to the patient while simultaneously providing a
flower that apparently symbolizes their sincerity to apologize.

Initially, the patient ignores their apologies since he had high expectations for
the quality of care provided at our facility, but he was disillusioned by this
episode. But, with the assistance of our doctors, who explained that the drug
was for prophylaxis and would have no significant impact on his rehabilitation,
his rage dissipates, and he is soothed by the fact that a new set of nurses will
be assigned to him.

Despite the difficult circumstances, he was able to heal completely and return
to work.

• Q2: What were the values present in the resolution process?

First and foremost, honesty and accountability are the most important
qualities in this problem-solving process. Honesty in acknowledging and
owning up to the error they made to the patient, which implies they are taking
responsibility for their actions. Second, they, like St. Paul, were humbled by this
experience, and despite being accused for their irresponsibility, they
summoned the bravery to apologize to the patient.
• Q3: Are you happy with the resolution?

Despite wearing numerous layers of personal protective equipment, I am grateful that

this is a learning experience for all of the nurses who are aware of the incident since we
were able to be more cautious when delivering the drug. And I'm relieved that nothing
worse occurred to our patient, and that the participating nurses face no further legal
consequences other than having the incident recorded in their hospital records.

However, I am dissatisfied with my head nurse's actions because it appears that they are
not supportive of the engaged employees. They just requested that the personnel speak
with the patient and apologize without accompanying them. This made me understand
that they have no idea how to deal with such situations. As a result of this action, one of
the staff nurses decided to resign because she felt that continuing to work under such
conditions would be detrimental to her mental health.