HS meds....do they have to be given at 9?

[prinsessa]

Many of the residents are on meds that are prescribed "at bedtime". According to our policies we are supposed to schedule HS medication for 9P. The problem is that many of the residents go to sleep before 9P. Some go to sleep at 7P or 7:30. Is it ok to give their HS meds at that time? I don't like going into their rooms to wake them up just to give them a Crestor. It doesn't bother me but I know it bothers them. Do we have to have the MDs okay us giving it earlier than 9p? Orders don't say we have to give it at a certain time....they usually read "at bedtime" or "HS". So if their bedtime is before 9 can we give it then. Some residents don't mind getting woke up especialy if they are diabetic and have to have their blood sugar checked. Some residents don't like having to wait until 8P to get their meds if they want to go to sleep at 7:30P. Just wondering what others do. Thanks!

[Sparrowhawk]

Most facilities I've been at HS starts at 7. I always give them at 7 cause most go to sleep then...unless they request it later.

[foreverLaur]

I have never understood HS meds - people have such varying sleep schedules!! I have taken care of patients who go to sleep as early as 7pm and as late as 4am!

[mamamerlee, LPN]

HS is what the patient says HS is.

[tonebudsid]

I don't think it has anything to do with the medications, but some facilities have set times for the med pass. So, you can always get an order clarification and ask for those residents to change their HS meds to an earlier time. Any NP or MD will say "OK." It is against your facilities policy to give those meds early, so you either need to call the PCP to change them or give them at 9pm, if you don't want to go against the policy. I had to do that for a few residents where I work, because they requested it.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

They were ordered at bedtime. Not ordered for 9pm. I'd give them before they went to bed, as they were ordered.

[CrazierThanYou]

I'm a medication aide. I give HS medications when the resident is ready for bed. One woman goes at around 6:30 so her HS is 6:30.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Crestor does NOT have to be given at HS. Change it to 5 or 6 pm. I'm with the rest of the posters...HS is HS...for you maybe 9pm...for me 1 am.

[prinsessa]

Thanks everyone!

[Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN]

I give HS meds during the 2nd medpass. Which is between 8pm-10pm. I know my residents well enough now who to give HS meds to early and who is a night owl.