Administration of Prolixin and/or Haldol IM

[lisaow]

Help! I've started a new job and they want me to administer Prolixin and/or Haldol IM shots in a manner inconsistent with the Nursing Drug Admin books I reference. Specifically, according to the drug books, the needle I use to draw up the solutions should be discarded, and a new needle attached to the syringe. This guards against 1. a dull needle, and 2. a "wet" needle (whereas these two solutions can cause atopic dermatitis to skin). I want to do the right thing for my patient. How do I tell my new employer (who's been administering the "short cut" way) for years and years? I don't want to come off to strong, but my butt is on the line if something goes wrong.

Thanks for any/all suggestions for talking to my employer!

[CharlieRN]

Write a polite letter of protest to your supervisor with specific references to the books you have researched. Explain why you are reluctant to use the method they have been using at the facility. Send copies to the director of the facility, any internal nursing or professional issues board or group as well as your immediate supervisor. (Supervisors have been known to "lose" embarassing complaints.) If you have a Union send them a copy too. It might be a good idea to have it noterized. In your letter make sure you are clear that you will follow the facility policy, but are drawing attention to an area where the policy is at varience with current best practice. That is, if you feel you can administer the med their way in good conscience. I have administered both these meds by the old method without complications, so my personal opinion is that this is not a major issue. I definately would not involve any external agency at this time. If your employer reacts badly to a polite letter, by disiplining you, then its time to involve the powers.