Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

March 23, 2017

Murray County Medical Center staff member receives Minnesota Hospital Association’s Good Catch for Patient Safety award

Mary Mesner, RN, recognized for speaking up to prevent potential adverse health event

A Murray County Medical Center registered nurse has received the award that recognizes hospital professionals who demonstrate their commitment to keeping patients safe by speaking up to prevent a potential patient safety issue.

Mary Mesner, RN, accepted the quarterly Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) Good Catch for Patient Safety award at a presentation on March 22.

Mesner took action to prevent a medication error before it reached her patient in the Emergency Room (ER). She noticed that an order was placed for a diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels to be administered to a patient with a blood sugar level of 100. After verifying with the patient that he was not diabetic, Mesner contacted both the pharmacy and the provider regarding the order. The provider had intended for the medication to be ordered for another ER patient whose blood sugar level was 295. The incorrect order was discontinued and reentered for the appropriate patient.

Mesner’s willingness to question a medication order helped prevent her patient from potentially experiencing a hypoglycemic reaction. Because the order was questioned, no error or harm occurred.

“It is because of actions taken every day by dedicated professionals like Mary that Minnesota hospitals continue to be front-runners in patient safety,” said MHA Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety Tania Daniels. “Mary’s efforts remind us what a difference each person can make to keep patients safe.”

The Good Catch for Patient Safety program recognizes hospital professionals for actions that protect patients. Individuals seeking to nominate an employee or team for the award can visit the MHA website to complete a nomination form.


 

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