As a supervising nurse, what should be the priority action regarding medication dispensing inaccuracies?

Investigating near misses is crucial because it allows for a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding the medication dispensing inaccuracies. By examining these near misses, the supervising nurse can identify potential system flaws, staff training needs, and areas where procedural improvements can be made. This proactive approach helps prevent future inaccuracies and enhances the overall safety of medication administration.

Addressing the issue through investigation aids in fostering a culture of safety, enabling staff to feel empowered to report discrepancies without fear of punishment. This ultimately leads to improved patient care outcomes. While praising staff for reporting inaccuracies is important for morale, it does not address the underlying problems. Reporting inaccuracies to regulatory bodies or simply assessing protocols are also necessary steps, but they typically follow after understanding the specific issues through investigation.