? re unlabeled meds

core0 · Jan 10, 2010

Hi,
Have a question to present to all of you. Had a patient's family attempt to give me unlabeled meds to place in the medcart for the patient. I told them that I would not accept anything that wasn't labeled from the pharmacy. They said " Oh, it doesn't matter, it is the same thing, only generic". "Just put in the original bottle in the medcart that you have". The med is a narcotic. Told them no way would I accept anything that was not labeled from the pharmacy. Sorry..no how, no way, am I going to accept anything that is NOT labeled from the pharmacy.
So, I was called to the ED office and told the family was unhappy that I would not accept the unlabeled meds and that I was "just splitting hairs". So, I told her that I would not accept any unlabeled meds from anyone...period!
What are your thoughts on this?

What is the "ED"? Executive Director? If they really want you to give the meds, have them write the following order "OK to give unlabled unverified medications brought in by the patients family". That should show them how stupid it is.

David Carpenter, PA-C

manncer · Jan 10, 2010

I know we can vent here, online, but two questions pop up. Did you know your hospitals policy on own meds? It sounds like you made a decision yourself? And I assume you were polite to the family and patient, but you sound confrontational to me?

"Sorry..no how, no way, am I going to accept anything that is NOT labeled from the pharmacy."

Best if the matter is taken off your shoulders and put onto your head nurse's? The hospital policy can be discussed between you your head nurse and family, away from patient. The hospital these days is very political, and if you follow the flow, you can make an impression and get your ideas across. If the hospital is really screwed up, then maybe it's time to move on.

OklaLPN · Jan 10, 2010

Thanks so much to all for your replies. Yes, I know I did the right thing!

Manncer...I wanted to let you know that I do appreciate your response, but, I really wasn't confrontational to the family. I was very polite and used my nicest manners. Please, before you judge my decision making process, please know that I am the charge nurse in an assisted living facility, not a hospital and I do know the policies. I am in a position to make any and all decisions, on my floor, that affect my residents.

Again, no how, no way, will I accept unlabeled meds!

Thanks,

OklaLPN

manncer · Jan 10, 2010

HMMMMM....Yes I see....:cheers:

Simba&NalasMom, LPN · Jan 10, 2010

I'm 110% behind you on this one. We have no idea how savvy or not this family is in identifying meds; not only is it a safety issue (pt. could be taking wrong meds, or old meds could interact with newly ordered meds etc.) but if the state and/or JCAHO saw a nurse doing that, the nurse and facility would be in trouble.

Perpetual Student · Jan 10, 2010

Yeah, that's one liability hot potato I wouldn't want to touch with a 20 ft pole. If you get any more grief re: it emphasize the potential safety and LIABILITY implications. The last thing the administration should want is a lawsuit due to a preventable medication error. Explain how it could be the wrong drug or dose and how the pt could have an adverse reaction, which the family could then sue (successfully) for.

allnurses Guide · Jan 10, 2010

It's highly unlikely that any facility would have a policy of accepting unlabeled drugs of any sort just handed to the nurse. So all the corporate-speak feather smoothing hoopla should really be unnecessary. Unfortunately, as I mentioned in another thread, the public is being taught to expect it. Either standards or morale, or both will suffer in the end.

So sorry, OklaLPN, that your manager didn't support you when you clearly did the right thing. I only hope this person was not a nurse.

elcue · Jan 12, 2010

You absolutely did the right thing. No question. Good for you. The pharmacy must verify any meds brought from home. Basic safe practice.