Passing meds-assisted living facility

[Shagce1]

I am a nursing student, working as a CNA in an assisted living facility in Wisconsin. I have recently started passing meds in this facility on the weekends. This is legal in Wisconsin after having gone through a med pass certification class. We are a 27 bed facility. Of those 27 beds, only 5 of the residents take care of their own meds. We pass everything, narcotics to vitamins and everything inbetween. The morning med pass has been horrific for me. I feel so incompetent, it takes so long. Some of these residents have 10-15 meds. Many of the residents in my opinion are borderline nursing home candidates. They are used to the regular weekday staff passing meds and their routine and can be pretty demanding. They stop you in the halls wondering where their pills are....interrupt prepping a different residents meds, some just like to stop and talk and be social. But inevitably that makes me lose my place and I have to double check and figure out where I am at. There are generally two of us working, one to pass meds and the other to perform morning cares. But if the morning cares person is with someone else it is the expectation that the med passer help if someone is calling. I am seriously concerned that there is a chance I will commit a med error and harm someone. Wondering if this is normal staffing ratios? Thoughts or comments on what I can do to improve this situation before I lose my sanity. Quite honestly this part time job I am working to gain hands on patient care experience is making me question my decision to become an RN.

[5ummer]

You shouldn't feel that way, about questioning your career.I felt overwhelmed at first aswell.But with time and patience also comes something very important, which is time management. Of course where I'm at it's only 16 residents to one person doing care and med pass. One trick that helped me was knowing who gets extra pills, for examples creams,patches,vitamins and save those for last.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

You should not interrupt your med pass for anything. I have made this my practice in the hospital. I will not even go to rounds if I am middle of my med pass. If they want your help while you are passing meds, make sure that you finished with the particular resident before you go help.

[Shagce1]

Thanks for your insights. I spoke with my boss at length today. I think yesterday was just one of those plain awful days. Today was better, I think I just needed to vent. I just have to remember that I am in charge of the meds and the med cart and not let the residents push me. I also need to figure out who is neediest and get to them first before they can complain.

[MountainRN53]

I have been in your shoes many times. As an RN, I too have been overwhelmed with those taking a multitude of meds including narcotics and patches. I can't imagine how you feel as a CMA. I oriented and "checked off" a new CMA and quite frankly I'm amazed one can watch a DVD, read a book and take a test, and with passing give meds, take CBG's and give insulin. I guess I'm just old school. Nonetheless, you will never regret getting your RN. Currently at 61, I am working full time at an Adult Day Care Center as their nurse supervisor and I've never been happier. Best of luck to you!