Kamloops nurse handed reprimand after patient given wrong medication in operating theatre

A Kamloops nurse has been reprimanded after he prepared the wrong medication for a patient undergoing surgery.

Patrick Retuya “did not follow proper medication administration procedures” during the incident in an operating theatre on Sept. 19, 2022, according to a panel representing the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

The patient was ultimately given the wrong medication by a second health-care professional.

No details concerning the effects of this medical error were provided.

The BCCNM said Retuya “immediately admitted” his mistake and engaged with an investigation process.

He also committed to “remediating his nursing practice,” the College explained.

Late last month, Retuya agreed to a reprimand from the BCCNM.

He also agreed to a prohibition of unspecified length barring him from being the sole registered nurse on duty, being the nurse in charge or practising in critical care areas.

BCCNM said it was “satisfied that the terms will protect the public.”