Morphine Authorization

[Tropigirl05RN]

I'm new here and not sure if this is posted in the right area. I've always loved coming to this site as a lurker but decided to join :) The other night I was working (NOCS) and had a pt. who was given an order for Morphine on PMs. The ADON and the PM nurse before me took the Morphine out of narcotics and administered it without authorization from pharmacy, although they did have the MD order. The PM nurse reported to me that pharmacy was going to be calling and giving authorization. Well...pharmacy called at 11 pm while the PM nurse was still there and refused authorization. When the pt's family asked why I didn't give the morphine later that night, I simply stated that I didn't have authorization right now but I could give something else if needed (he was comfortable and slept all night). I called my boss in the morning and I was the one who got scolded. She said I should have followed up with pharmacy asking why they didn't authorize it, etc. My question is, was I legally correct not to give the morphine? Also, why would I call pharmacy for NOCS when they had just called the facility at 11pm to deny authorization? Thanks for any input!

[ZippyGBR, BSN, RN]

Where I work Pharm has no say in the matter. Can you tell me why they would have any authorization to say "No"? (just wondering...)

don't forget the OP is in the USA therefore Acute on Chronic Narcotic Panic will prevent good patient care