Methods for Faster Med Passes

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Hello, this is d.page. I just started working at a nursing home. I am feeling slow and overwhelmed with all of the meds, but I refuse to give up. I am all ears for methods or "tricks of the trade" for quicker and more efficient med. passes.

If the facility will allow, mark your cards with the administration times with a sharpie this will stand out when going thru cards, it will get better i promise we have all been there

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Specializes in LTC.

I have seen it done both ways. First, I don't think its 'legal' to pre-pour. Secondly, I wonder if it is really any faster. You are taking the time to pour just at a different time. I think it is just safer not to.

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In nursing homes the meds come in cards that you puch out

I'm glad that's not true where I work. Only controlled and cytotoxic are in cards, the rest are in boxes individually wrapped.

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Agree with earlier poster, the med pass is overwhelming and would be even less safe if rushed any more than it already is. State or Federaly MANDATED nurse patient ratios is the only way things will improve, or a stong union that is very active politically, that can help get these mandates pushed through to law.

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Specializes in ENT, NH LTAC, WOUND CARE.

I would advise you as new nurses to do the triple check( pull and check, pop from package and check, before signing check again) time consuming but accurate. Now as time goes on you will devlop your own technique. I saw nurse doing it off of memory and never opening the MAR, poping the meds out and storing the in the pt. med cassette, staring early without moving your cart so that your managers won't know. All I can say in the bussiness is CYOA(cover your own Ass)

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

This place that I just left, they would prepour meds and of course nobody would check the meds in the bag. They would prepour by pulling out the bags and putting them aside but if a narc or a PRN med was to be added they would add that narc or PRN and then open the bag and put the meds into a cup and write the resident's name on it. Another way it was screwy was that there were so many PRN meds that were given on a regular basis and when I came on, it was MAR changeover and I kept having to go back and ask which resident was getting regular PRN meds. ARGHHH! After doing this for 75 people, in a retirement home that was taking LTC placements (last placement was total care with a broken humerus) without the staff and being the ONLY nurse on after 3 pm, I left, I was done putting my licence in jepordy. P.S. I was also responsible for staffing for my shift and the next when a nurse, aide or kitchen staff member called in, which was quite often. I am no longer there.:uhoh3:

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice, Disease Management.

I just get annoyed when I have to deal with a pt who refuses a med sometimes I stand there and keep trying to give it to them and sometimes if my day is really screwed they'll throw it out or spit out the smashed med and I get so UPSET, but if I see I'm running out of time I'm quit to write refuse.. I mean its hell in some facilities I have to do the assignment sheet. ommissions sheet, treatments, pass meds, God forbid if there's a new admission, monthlys, pick up orders, chart, and report its ridiculous all this with 25-40 pts most of the time its 40. And I hate evening shift I cannot deal with relatives and 'lost' residents its so annoying they slow me down..I love night shift mainly because everyone is in their room til about 6a (but its not that bad) and I dont have to deal with arrogant relatives or the ones asking me a thousand questions like when is the doctor coming like they can't call him/her..sorry I just had to vent lol..I want to work OB so bad or atleast have more nurses staffed at the places I work geez I mean it puts my license at risk

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