My orientee gave the wrong narcotic

So, I had an orientee on my hall the one night and everything was going very well. She passed the 1600s and I the 2000s. Toward the end of the shift the narc count was off and upon closer inspection we determined that the wrong pain pill was given to the wrong resident (the dosages were not the same, but the pill itself was). I am worried about what is going to occur and how it will occur. I'm just wondering if I am the one who should be reprimanded for the medication error (seeing as she was under my responsibility), or if she will (which I would hope would not be the case).
Hmm...well as long as nothing terrible happens to the patient I can't imagine you both getting into much trouble. Mistakes happen...How closely were you supervising her at the time?

She is a nurse? Or medication trained aide? Then it is her own write up. At the time of the med error you need to show her the report protocols so she can tell the MD it happened and get orders. She's registered (or certified) in her own right and is responsible for her own errors.

This I cannot recall. It was a busy time of the shift and there were many residents requesting my aid.

Quote from NurseOnAMotorcycleShe is a nurse? Or medication trained aide? Then it is her own write up. At the time of the med error you need to show her the report protocols so she can tell the MD it happened and get orders. She's registered (or certified) in her own right and is responsible for her own errors.

Eeek. Better keep a close eye on your orientee. I am confused as to how the dose could be different but you said it was the same pill?

I had a co-worker with a similar experience. The preceptor was written up and not the orientee. They justified the write-up by explaining the preceptor was ultimately the responsible nurse to oversee the orientee's work. When I precept, I have a rule that I always double check the narcotics prior to being given. I know this can take extra time on the preceptor's part, but it does prevent errors. I would look at it as a lesson learned for both.

Quote from WeepingAngelEeek. Better keep a close eye on your orientee. I am confused as to how the dose could be different but you said it was the same pill?

Nope. Every licensed person is accountable for their own mistakes - especially for something so basic as medication "5 Rights".

If she were an unlicensed student, that would be one thing. However, she holds licensure, so she's responsible for giving meds safely under her scope of practice. It's not as if it were something particular to your unit or hospital; giving meds safely is the same everywhere.

Quote from chrisrn24Maybe like oxycodone 5 mg was given when the order was for oxycodone 2.5 mg?

Quote from HouTxNope. Every licensed person is accountable for their own mistakes - especially for something so basic as medication "5 Rights".

Highly doubtful. If the HR department has done its due diligence and hired this person, the preceptor has a right to assume a basic level of competence, including safe medication administration.