Hi,
In school, we learned that meds can be given within an hour of the designated time frame. In other words, if a med is due at 2100, it can be given between 2030-2130. Here on AN, I've noticed others saying that they combine 2000 & 2200 meds and give them at 2100 as to save time and let patients sleep. I understand that it really depends on the medication, but generally is this acceptable in the real world of nursing?...because in school, it was not. I start my first job soon and it's night shift. I want to allow my patients uninterrupted sleep but I've never seen nurses giving meds an hour late and an hour early (well, purposely. of course meds are given late all the time due to other circumstances!). Any thoughts?