The Relationship between Medication Errors with Job Satisfaction of Nurses in Pediatric Ward

Background Medication errors are known as a preventable cause of idiopathic damage in pediatrics. These errors could entail serious direct and indirect outcomes that often lead to disruptions in the health care system. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between medication errors with job satisfaction of nurses in pediatric ward. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 80 nurses working in pediatric wards in hospitals affiliated with Ahwaz University of Medical Sciences, Iran that were selected by census. The questionnaires of medication administration error and nurses' job satisfaction (Minnesota job satisfaction) by purposive sampling were used for gathering data. Validity and reliability were checked for internal consistency and stability. Results Mean nurses’ medication errors in pediatric wards for every nurse over a 3-month period was 11.41+ 11.79 cases, and mean error reporting was 1.97+ 3.92 cases. Nurse’s age (P≤0.01) and education level (P≤0.03) were statistically significantly related with medication errors. The findings of job satisfaction of nurses showed that 44.07% of nurses were dissatisfied. However, there was no significant relationship between incidence of medication errors and nurses’ job satisfaction (r= -0.167, P= 0.138). Conclusion Compared to the other studies, the incidence of nurses’ medication errors was somewhat higher in this study; however, the report rate was low. It is suggested that, by periodic measuring of job satisfaction and identifying factors that have impact on job satisfaction of nurses and also using strategies to resolve existing problems and dissatisfactions.