just a question about med pass

ASPIRING2BGREAT · Feb 23, 2016

That sounds just about right and not bad. I'm new and five months into this nursing/rehabilitation facility and it normally that's me about that time. Sometimes a lil more or less depending on how many interruption I have. Mostly 17-22 patients.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2016

When I worked at a SNF and had 17 skilled short-term rehab residents, it typically took about two hours for the med pass and an additional hour for the incidentals (toileting, dressing changes, etc.).

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Feb 23, 2016

I have 15 and it takes me about 1 hour and 1/2

loriangel14, RN · Feb 23, 2016

I work on a rehab unit in a hospital. I have 11 patients and it takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Fireflynurse · Feb 23, 2016

I like all your workload because the two jobs I have been trained with requires 2-3 hours for over 40 patients which is insane. but they said it is safe but insane!

Fireflynurse · Feb 23, 2016

I think you are doing fine :)

I just want to know a general timeframe it takes to complete a medpass, how many patients do you have, and what type of facility do you work?
Im orientating and i have about 16 skilled patients and it takes me about 3 hours to complete my medpass

littlelimabean01, LPN · Feb 23, 2016

I work in long-term/skilled nursing too and have typically 18-20 patients. We are expected to finish the pass in 2 hours (that whole rule you can give a scheduled med an hour before or an hour after). If I finish in 2 1/2 hours, it is super rare and a miracle of some sorts. Typically takes me 3 hours and some change. As I have observed those who do finish in a more timely manner they are solely focused on their med pass. I did not become a nurse to be a pill pusher. I know that is a huge part of my job, but so is my patients immediate needs and social/emotional well being.

If my resident wants their bed made, or needs to use the restroom that is more important to me. They pressed their call bell, and the aides do not respond timely as they should (hence the number of people falling that happens too often) so, I stop my med pass and do their job too. Yeah, I am over working myself, but I don't have the time to search for their aide either. Just do your best and that is all you can do.

MedChica · Feb 24, 2016

I work PRN at a few facilities so 'it depends', but these days:

My best place?

- SNF

- Electronic Charting

- 24 pts: 6 accuchecks. 3 Gtubes. Several Nebs.

- 0730/0800 to 0930/0945. I'm passing steadily but at a leisurely pace.

The place is so organized. They've got a PIXIS-type machine which cuts the medpass time in half. They put They have unit clerks! All aspects of the PointClickCare system work.

This place is so organized. The med pass - the entire process - is so streamlined, you can actually attend interdisciplinary meetings in the breakroom during your shift without being behind.

I'd never seen such a thing until I came to work here.

My worst place:

- SNF/Rehab

- 0700-0300 shift

- 35 pt's, roughly

- Paper Charting.

- Start 0730-0800 to 1100, roughly. It all depends on interruptions and when I can begin, really.

"Number of pt's" doesn't matter as much as what they require, I guess you could say?

You can have an "easy" hall with 30 pts but if you've got that number WITH a plethora of 0730/1100 accuchecks, several vitals checks or BP meds c hold parameters, six PEG/Bolus folks with 4/6 clogged, Orientee (always a damned new nurse, too. I can't use them.) or LPN STUDENTS (why, god, why?!), two IV flush/one ABT IV med to set up/hang because it wasn't hung on nightshift (sigh), and three pts currently on iso (1 reverse r/t neutropenia & 2 contact because every new admit from the hospital these days has a HAI.)?

Well, you may not get to take a lunch that day. (laugh)

I don't sit until 1.5 to 2 hours before shift ends and that's to finally chart & scramble about calling in labs/request & clarify orders/schedule appointments/fax to's/transcribing to chart, etc...

If you think dayshift is bad? There's, like, an unofficial 2-admit per evening shift rule at the unit where they try to stick me. Yes, I can be bought (laugh). I will work in borderline unsafe staffing conditions for a price.

Nikki0727 · Mar 14, 2016

Same as my work load. I have 3 hours to pass.meds to 30 people. All skilled. There's a lot of.vitals you have to while passing meds..alot of blood sugars to.get and a tube feed!!! I don't feel like it's enough time...if 2 people can finish on time.so should I í ½í¸•

TeaPlease · Apr 2, 2016

I'm a float nurse at a SNF. The busiest floor I work has 23 residents, 14 + BP/AP checks,plus at least five residents with full vital signs for varying reasons. G-tube, maybe 8 to 10 glucose checks with routine AND SSC....you get the picture.

I strive to streamline the med pass by noting each resident's code status on my report sheet. (hey, ya never know....)

I list everyone who needs VS/BP/glucose and visit those residents who require vital signs, also assess pain/PRN meds requested. Takes maybe thirty minutes. Start med pass in earnest and dole out routine meds/PRNs around 8 or 8:10 AM. It just seems to work better having taken required vitals before the actual med pass.

Depending on the number of PRNs requested and how many interruptions I can generally knock out meds and have a very brief but pleasant convo with each resident in about 2-2 1/2 hours. I'd rather be beyond the two hour window and ensure safety and have a few assessments done rather than feel like a slave to the clock.