Pharmacy oversight with Heparin gtts, and use of Heparin Nomograms?

[SDNavyRN]

So I was at the monthly pharmacy and therapeutics meeting this month where I represent Crit Care nursing and the patient safety rep stated:

1. that she thought pharmacy needed to start overseeing the PTTs for heparin drips much like they review PT/INRs for coumadin dosing and

2. that heparin nomograms are not good for patient safety (this was after I stated that I did not think pharmacy oversight of PTTs was necessary as there is already oversight by two parties, the bedside nurse and the house medical officer and we follow a standardized nomogram that was at some point approved by pharmacy)

So she is looking at this from a "WWJD" (What Would JCAHO Do) standpoint.

I dont agree with her and am looking for back up.

Who out there works at a hospital that 1. does or doesnt have pharmacy oversight of heparin drips, and/or 2. does or doesnt use heparin nomograms.

I am interested in responses from both crit care and floor nurses....any feedback would be great....THANK YOU!!!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

institute for safe medication practices has info re this issue.

here's one link:

double-checks for endogenous and exogenous errors

search their website for heparin and you will have much ammo for your next meeting.