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by Roseyposey

The clinic I work in pre-fills syringes with flu vaccine. I don't really like giving meds I don't draw up, but trust the other nurses I work with and have been using them. The other day I noticed an MA pre-filling syringes. I discussed this with the other nurse on my shift, and she informed me that not only had the MA been drawing up the vaccine, other unlicensed personnel had been as well. I was already uncomfortable giving these pre-filled syringes because they were sometimes more than 48 hours old, but this has me very worried. I haven't worked since this night, but I don't think I will be using the pre-filled syringes any more. Am I over-reacting? Is this a normal practice?

[Blee O'Myacin]

Are the vials accessible?

If so, that's probably how I'd handle it, and leave it at that. You could also ask the manager of the clinic to let the nurses draw up the vaccines as they are being given. Unless it is a manufacturers prefilled syringe - or filled in the pharmacy and delivered with a clear label, then I wouldn't be comfortable giving it. I think that it is perfectly reasonable to tell your manager that you are uncomfortable giving meds that you did not draw - it is your license!

Blee

[GingerSue]

Re: Would like some expert opinions

I wouldn't give any medication that I have not prepared myself (unless it is manufacturer-prepared and labelled)
How do you know what is in a syringe that has been prepared by someone else?

[nuangel1]

Re: Would like some expert opinions

Originally Posted by GingerSue

I wouldn't give any medication that I have not prepared myself (unless it is manufacturer-prepared and labelled)
How do you know what is in a syringe that has been prepared by someone else?

absolutely agree if i haven't drawn it up i wouldn't use it.unless it was a sealed prefilled manufacturer syringe for ex .ns flush.

[TazziRN]

Re: Would like some expert opinions

My daughter's first flu vax: the doc held a flu shot clinic for kids and they were all scheduled at the same time...sign in, get called in order of arrival. In the treatment room the nurse had a bath basin full of prefilled syringes (not from the manufacturer but by the nurse), and the label was on the basin, not the syringes. I asked who had drawn them up, she said "I did." If she had said it wasn't her I would have insisted she draw up a syringe in front of me. I don't draw it, I don't give it.

[GingerSue]

Re: Would like some expert opinions

if she hadn't been there to tell you, then even with the labelled basin - would you have given those pre-filled syringes?

[TazziRN]

Re: Would like some expert opinions

Originally Posted by GingerSue

if she hadn't been there to tell you, then even with the labelled basin - would you have given those pre-filled syringes?

You mean me, or the OP? I wouldn't have, unless I'd seen her draw them up.

[GingerSue]

Re: Would like some expert opinions

it's a general question - it keeps me thinking
(I wouldn't give anything prepared by another person. period)

[Roseyposey]

Re: Would like some expert opinions

Thank you all for your input - you are confirming exactly what I was thinking. I appreciate all of you for taking the time to give me your opinions.

[TazziRN]

Re: Would like some expert opinions

Originally Posted by GingerSue

it's a general question - it keeps me thinking
(I wouldn't give anything prepared by another person. period)

I would but only if I saw the person drawing up the med. In the ER there can be two of us on one pt, and one drawing up a med and another giving it...especially in a code. If I see it drawn up and I see the vial, I'll give it.