NURSING EXPERIENCE IN PEDIATRIC MEDICATION SAFETY

Abstract

Background: Children have a greater risk of experiencing medication errors than adults because they have a smaller body size so that the functions of the liver, kidneys and immune system are not impaired. Drugs' administration to children requires small doses, so nurses must be skilled in their calculations. Therefore nurses have an important role in preventing medication errors. Purpose: Explore nurses experience in pediatric medication safety. Methods: This is a qualitative research using purposive sampling along with data collection techniques with semi-structured interviews. This study was conducted by interviewing 8 nurses which included: 6 nurses, 1 charge nurse and 1 head of pediatric ward in one of the private hospitals in Yogyakarta. Results: This research found four themes: (1) nurses knowledge about medication administration safety, (2) responsibilities, roles and competencies of nurses in medication safety, (3) The weakness of nurses in carrying out medication safety and (4) nurse expectations. Conclusion: Nurses have resposibilities to increase medication safety in pediatric by improving nurse's knowledge and competency.