[nikkismomlpn]

hey anyone out there into corrections. it's a little new to me, just started about 2 months ago and am loving it. I just feel a little uncomfortable about some things. the most inportant is we have a "certified" med tech who sets up our medications, it is left up the the nurses to pass those meds not knowing for sure what they take or how they take it. Oh but even better just found out she is not really certified, is this safe or more so is this really legal, don't think so but not surew where to start. any suggestions??? A little nervous in TN

[openheartmary]

Oh my! No!!!! I would never give any meds without first being sure what it is. Do you make sure there is a doctor's order? Do you practice the Five Rights? It's your license, protect it!

[Steristripqueen]

Hi, Openheartmary is correct you can not legally pass meds that you did not set up. Corrections is BIG on that and if an inspection team comes through and sees the meds set up there will be all kinds of yelling going on! You have the right to say no to passing meds you didn't set up so don't let them bully you! Good luck and stand your ground.

[mollyrn]

Although the jail I work in does not use med techs I know of jails that do. In those facilities the techs not only set up the meds but they also administer them. Having someone else set up your meds is crazy! You are really putting your license in jeopardy by passing those meds. I would make a BIG stink if I were you, my license is way too valuable to me to allow something like that to go on! Good luck.

[RNinCentralFL]

NEVER give meds that anyone else has poured. Protect your license under all circumstances. Always follow the policy at your facility, but make sure it falls under the regulations of your State Board of Nursing.