Nursing Student Medication Administration Practice in the Clinical Setting: A Descriptive Study

Background: Nurses are instrumental in preventing medication errors that cause patient harm. Increased practice and educational interventions are suggested to prepare nursing students to safely administer medications. However, a quantified account of the reality of nursing student medication administration practice in the clinical setting is unknown. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the frequency and quality of nursing student medication administration practice in the clinical setting. A convenience sample of prelicensure nursing students (n = 222) completed an electronic Nursing Student Medication Administration Survey after each clinical day for one semester. Results: Overall, participants on average had one medication administration experience, administered two drugs, and administered medications to one patient. Most medication administration experiences were supervised by bedside RNs. Conclusion: Medication administration opportunities in the clinical setting are unpredictable and vary by facility and nursing program policy. Further investigation is necessary. [J Nurs Educ. 2022