pyxis inventory

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Can anyone tell me how to do a pyxis inventory? I'm a fairly new nurse and don't know how to do an inventory of the pyxis. I was shown when I first started during my orientation phase and have never done it since then. I think I've been there long enough to know this but honestly, I'm ashamed to let my counterparts know that this simple task is something I don't have a handle on.

Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

It's really not a big deal. At my facility, inventory of the controlled meds in pyxis is done at the beginning of the week; night shift does it on the floors after midnight Monday morning & outpt units do it first thing Monday mornings when they arrive. Of course, a count is also done each time a controlled med is taken out to administer as well.

On the home screen, there should be an inventory icon, but you need to have somebody walk you thru it again & show you. There can be minor variations between pyxis at different places. One RN logs in & a second RN will be prompted to log in before the count.

Maybe find out when inventory is routinely done to see if you can do it a few times. It may be done on a completely opposite shift from you & will not be something you ever do or really need to know.

Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

I've never heard of a nurse doing a Pyxis inventory. Pharmacy has always handled it where I've worked.

Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.
I've never heard of a nurse doing a Pyxis inventory. Pharmacy has always handled it where I've worked.

Pharmacy also does their own inventory where I am.

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I have worked in places where we count narcs in the Pyxis at certain times (weekly, change of shift, etc.).

Pharmacy staff is not immune to the issues surrounding narcotic-handling. Ideally, in recognition of this and for everyone's protection, nursing and pharmacy complete the inventories together, or at least alternate the responsibility for such.

OP, I would see no reason why you can't ask a trusted co-worker, "would you remind me how to do the inventory - I haven't had to do it regularly." Seriously not a big deal.

Specializes in PACU.

We do narcotic inventory, but two people have to sign in and do it together... I just let the senior person take the lead for a while until I learned the station better.

Our works this way:

1. I sign in.

2. button on touch screen says inventory...click it

3. click controlled only

4. next persona has to sign in and viola your counting.

Thank you guys for the feedback.

Just ask your coworker and tell us what you just said. I've had senior coworkers who forget how to reset their passwords/fingerprints for our pyxis.

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