Pre-pouring meds

I know that we are going to get our butts kicked, but been there, done that! I was one of 2 nurses on 3-11, and we both had 60 patients. (Heck, on 11-7, I was the only nurse for all 120 people! ) These people had sooooo many meds, pre-pouring was a must. There is NO WAY I can pass all those pills in 2 hours. It meant 2 minutes per patient. And if I worked the "heavier" side,I had to put off my 5 pm bolus feeding until AFTER I got done with meds. What can I say?

I disagree 100%...worked all three shifts in three different LTC...between 50 and 110 residents each and I NEVER set up my meds in advance...yes, you have to hustle...yes, you have to be on your toes...yes, if something goes wrong or you get interrupted you fall behind, but I never "pre-poured."

Here'e why I never "pre-poured" - When I was a CNA, we had a nurse who "pre-poured" all of her meds the minute she walked in the door...one night she got her meds ready and stepped outside to smoke. She slipped on the ice and broke her hip...the nurse coming in to cover for her had no idea what was in the cups...pharmacy had to come in and sort through everything and everyone go their meds really late.

It doesn't take that much time once you get into a routine...you can still do your three checks, observe the five (or six or seven) rights and get done.