Bachelors of Science in Nursing Students and a Qualitative Analysis of their Medication Administration Experiences

Abstract

Lack of medication knowledge and skills is detrimental to the safety and welfare of patients. Lack of pharmacology knowledge and skills is detrimental to the safety and welfare of patients. In a southern baccalaureate nursing program, students demonstrated deficiencies in their medication knowledge and skill proficiency. This qualitative study discusses nursing students’ knowledge, training, and clinical instruction while administering medications. Results revealed that students had knowledge gaps regarding the complexity of the medication administration process, knowledge regarding medications, and fear of making a medication error without the support of their faculty. Educational strategies to improve the overall education of student nurses that enhance clinical medication safety will better improve patient safety outcomes.

Keywords: Nursing Students, Medication Administration Process, Medication Safety