Can a visiting nurse from psych sort other meds into pill box

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi I was told by my supervisor I can help a patient if I see they need help on how to take pills. Am I allowed to sort all meds into pill box for a week? Board of nursing - cannot find any info. Thank you !!!

TX.RN.Shannon

103 Posts

I believe you are allowed to fill a med box or planner if the patient is unable. Is that what you're talking about?

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

You are an RN? Yes? Utilize your drug reference (pictures), as well as printed descriptions on the labels and help the pt as long as you feel comfortable enough to take responsibility for your actions. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call the agency case/clinical manager or the even the physician. When I was just a student I found that a pt was taking double their diabetes med one time because of generic vs trade names on the bottles. They didn’t jump on me for correcting and reporting the situation. So I don’t see why an RN can’t help with a pill box.

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VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN

22 Articles; 9,987 Posts

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I did it all the time when I worked in assisted living. Some residents were competent enough to self-administer, but needed help filling their pill minders each week. Never thought about it for a minute.

Depends on the state I believe for requirements. But I am almost certain al nurses can fill medisets. In Washington state only nurses, MDs, Pharmacists, and family members are allowed to fill medisets in the community health setting. The medication set needs to be labeled with patient name/DOB and the medication schedule for the meds inside the box.

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