The Six Rights of Medication Administration: A Student Nurse’s Guide to Safety

The Six Rights of Medication Administration: A Student Nurse’s Guide to Safety

One of the most critical responsibilities you’ll carry as a nurse is ensuring that medications are administered safely and accurately. Mistakes can have serious consequences—but with the right approach and mindset, you can develop excellent habits early in your training.

Welcome to your essential guide to the Six Rights of Medication Administration—a safety framework every student nurse needs to know.

🚨 Why Medication Safety Matters

Medication errors are one of the most common types of clinical incidents in the NHS. According to NHS England (2022), over 200 million medication errors occur annually, and while most cause no harm, some lead to serious consequences.

That’s why nurses are taught to follow the “Rights” of medication administration—a simple checklist designed to prevent errors and protect patients.

✅ The Six Rights of Medication Administration

1. Right Patient
   Always check the patient’s identity using at least two identifiers (e.g. full name and date of birth). Cross-check with wristbands and prescription charts.

2. Right Drug
   Double-check the medication name and formulation. Be especially careful with look-alike/sound-alike drugs and unfamiliar brand names.

3. Right Dose
   Confirm the dose is appropriate for the patient’s age, weight, and condition. Be confident in your drug calculations—ask for support if unsure.

4. Right Time
   Administer medications at the correct time, accounting for time-critical drugs (e.g. insulin, Parkinson’s medication). Document any delays or omissions.

5. Right Route
   Check how the drug should be given: orally, intravenously, subcutaneously, etc. Use the correct technique for the route prescribed.

6. Right Documentation
   Always record what you give, including time, dose, route, and any patient response. Good documentation is essential for safety and continuity of care.

🧠 Student Tips for Safe Practice

• Know your limits: You should only administer medicines under supervision and never beyond your level of training.

• Ask questions: If you’re unsure about a drug, look it up in the BNF (British National Formulary) or ask your supervisor.

• Check the MAR chart: Always match the prescription with the patient’s medication administration record (MAR) before giving anything.

• Be mindful of allergies: Always check the patient’s allergy status before administration.

🧠 Pro tip: Many hospitals include a 7th Right: the Right of the patient to refuse. Patients have the right to decline treatment, and it’s your role to explore and respect their wishes while informing the clinical team.

📘 What the NMC Says

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requires nurses to practise within their competence, use evidence-based practice, and preserve patient safety at all times (NMC, 2018). As a student, your medication training will be supervised, and you’ll be assessed for competence before administering medicines independently.

📝 In Summary

The Six Rights aren’t just a checklist—they’re a mindset. Every time you give a medication, you’re protecting your patient, upholding your professional responsibilities, and building trust. Learn these principles well, practise carefully, and you’ll be on your way to safe, effective nursing practice.

📚 References

• Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018). The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates. https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/code/

• Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2020). Professional Guidance on the Administration of Medicines in Healthcare Settings.

• NHS England (2022). Medication Safety Improvement Programme. https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/medication-safety/