Abbreviation:PO vs OR

[sphinx, BSN, RN]

OK, here I go:

I was always taught that the abbreviation for oral meds is PO. I always used that and thought it was the standard. Our computer charting software uses I believe, Medispan (I think!) for the meds, and the abbreviation used for oral meds is OR. I asked why that is, and was told that when we first started testing the sotware the question was brought up to the makers of the program, who told us that many clinics and hospitals use OR for oral meds, and "no one has ever complained". So my question is.......what does your facility, be it hospital, clinic, homecare, anything at all-use to abbreviate oral meds???? (I am just curious)!!

[flowerchild]

Never heard of OR used for abbr. for oral meds. Sounds like who ever wrote the program wasn't a nurse.

PO is the standard abbr. everywhere I have ever worked for oral route.

OR is the abbr. for Operating Room.

[LeesieBug]

PO Haven't ever heard OR used around here.

[Katnip, RN]

Po is the only way I've seen oral route done. OR is operating room as far as I'm concerned.

I'd start complaining to this software company. I'm not even sure if OR is a legitimate abbreviation

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Just called our pharmacist and he said he has never heard of using OR for PO meds. And he has worked in various hospitals in different states.

Weird.

[azgirl]

PO is the only thing I have heard.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

PO but by mouth would be better considering some doctors' and nurses' sloppy handwriting.

[ShortFuse_LPN, LPN]

PO in every place I've ever worked or had clinical rotations. OR is operating room to me too. Maybe they want you to take your pt to the OR to give em PO meds.....LMAO!!

[niteshiftnurse]

We have always used PO.........what if they are not to eat anything after midnite.............NOR???

[RNIAM, BSN, RN]

PO is what we use

[CCL"Babe", BSN, RN]

Ditto.

PO= by mouth

OR= Operating Room.

[petiteflower]

PO--oral route

lol niteshiftnurse