Medication administration errors (MAEs) present a significant risk for harm to patients and healthcare providers alike, yet little is understood about how nursing students conceptualize MAEs. Similar risks for harm are faced in the aviation industry, yet they have transformed into a highly reliable organization (HRO) using the threat and error management (TEM) framework. The purpose of this study was to apply concepts of the TEM framework to MAEs and identify what students believed to be threats, threat management interventions, errors, and error management interventions in the process of medication administration. Nursing students have not yet entered the professional practice environment and must be competent for safe practice upon their arrival. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews. Participants were in their final year of nursing school. IRB approval was obtained. Participant responses reflected the trends of current nursing literature. More emphasis was placed on validating medication rights, utilizing technology, and following hospital policy and procedures. Little attention was given to medication dosage calculation, their lack of experience contributing to errors, or using a second nurse to validate a drug before administration. Participants expressed concern about a lack of exposure to errors while in school. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]