Beyond the Five Rights: Improving Patient Safety in Pediatric Medication Administration Through Simulation

BackgroundTraditionally, clinical education has relied on random opportunity to teach preparation and administration of medications to a vulnerable population. Well-designed simulations can provide structure for learning this complex critical intervention, including safety measures beyond the “five rights.”MethodStudents were observed administering medications pre- and postintervention.ResultsPre-intervention results revealed 4 out of 18 (22%) students provided correct medication administration; 29% safely diluted an IV medication. Postintervention, 96% (25 of 26) were successful in dilution techniques, 88% were able to provide accurate IV pump rates, and 90% accurately assessed patient medication allergies.ConclusionIntense training within a simulated setting can improve nursing students' ability to accurately administer medication to a complex pediatric patient.