RxToolKit Blog

a forum for medication safety

& clinical competency.

a forum for medication safety

& clinical competency.

Intro to Infusion A Pharmacist's Perspective on Vascular Access Devices

A Pharmacist’s Perspective on Vascular Access Devices

In this RxToolKit article, Katie Nesbitt, PharmD, BCPS introduces intravenous therapy, the conditions it treats, and why someone might choose this method of administration. She also explores the different types of vascular access devices, considerations for medication administration, complications associated with VADs and their management, and the pharmacist’s role in

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Continuing Education: Shaping the Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Continuing Education: Shaping the Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Infusion Nurses Society (INS) Nurse Educator Derek Fox, MSN, RN, VA-BC, CRNI®, NEA-BC and Director of Clinical Education Marlene Steinheiser, PhD, RN, CRNI® join us to discuss the importance of continuing education (CE) for the nursing practice, including its benefits for clinicians, common barriers to learning, and available educational resources

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Resources for Second Victims & Error Reporting

Resources for Second Victims & Error Reporting

Bailey Klingaman compiles a list of resources available for second victims of medication errors, the clinicians. These resources include guidance on supporting individuals with second victim syndrome, explanations on the process of recovery, and details on reporting errors to the appropriate authorities.  With highly-publicized cases like the criminal case of

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The Solution to Patient Safety The National Patient Safety Board Cover Image

The Solution to Patient Safety: The National Patient Safety Board

In the past two decades, patient safety has become a prevalent issue in our healthcare industry despite the introduction of numerous methods to combat medication errors and preventable harm. Led by a coalition advocating for change, the solution to the patient harm problem has been discovered: the creation of a

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Hope for Second Victims Where is RaDonda Vaught now?

Hope for Second Victims: Where is RaDonda Vaught now?

Two years after RaDonda Vaught was found guilty of negligent homicide and abuse of an impaired adult due to a medication error, she came forward in an interview with the World Socialist Web Site to share her account of the event and how she got through such an unimaginable experience.

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RaDonda Vaught's Story Versed Versus Vecuronium

RaDonda Vaught’s Story: Versed vs. Vecuronium

Two years ago, a Nashville nurse was convicted of negligent homicide and impaired adult abuse after accidentally administering the wrong medication to a patient. Read the full facts of RaDonda Vaught’s case, including the support she recieved from hundreds of nurses and how her story sparked change across the country.

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IV Calculations & Dosage Conversions

Dive into a list of the most common abbreviations and dosage conversions seen in infusion medication administration with Bailey Klingaman as she walks through frequently used IV formulas and calculations clinicians in the field should be familiar with. Understanding proper medication administration, including the calculations necessary to safely administer drugs

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Enhancing Medication Error Surveillance for Improved Patient Safety

Enhancing Medication Error Surveillance for Improved Patient Safety

In this article, Dr. Jill Paslier, PharmD, CSP, FISMP analyzes the benefits of medication error surveillance and how it can enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. Dr. Paslier provides three key components to implementing a successful MES program, and highlights the probable outcomes of increased monitoring. Introduction to Medication

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Guiding Providers Through the Complexities of Ig Therapy for Patient Safety

Guiding Providers Through the Complexities of Ig Therapy for Patient Safety

IgNS President/CEO Luba Sobolevsky and Director of Educational Resources Rachel Colletta explore the factors that make immunoglobulin therapy so complex, and the different solutions and resources clinicians can use to ensure safe and effective treatment. The Immunoglobulin National Society (IgNS) emerged in 2012 as the leading multidisciplinary association for healthcare

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Why, Who & How: Infusion Center Accreditation

Why, Who & How: Infusion Center Accreditation

NICA Accreditation Program Director Edie Gigot, MSN, RN, MBA explains the importance of established standards in healthcare and expands on the National Infusion Center Association’s Standards of Excellence for Ambulatory Infusion Centers. Edie also explores the application of these standards in infusion center accreditation, discussing the why, who, and how

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Intro to Infusion: The Infusion Nurse & the Pharmacist

The Infusion Nurse & the Pharmacist

Bailey Klingaman explores the definitions of infusion nurses and pharmacists, the responsibilities that come with their titles, and how to enter the professions. Thank you to Pamela Jones McIntyre, MSN, RN, CRNI, OCN, Ig-CN, VA-BC and Chuck DiTrapano, RPh for their contributions on why to enter the field and pursue

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IV Therapy Advocacy Through the Lens of a Nurse

IV Therapy Advocacy Through the Lens of a Nurse

Marlene M. Steinheiser, PhD, RN, CRNI®, shares her personal experiences with self-advocacy in infusion therapy. As a seasoned infusion professional, Dr. Steinheiser has not only advocated for her own safety and educated the clinicians around her,  but has extended her guidance to family, teaching others how to ensure they receive

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