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Discussion

Checking controlled drugs

I am a registered nurse who for the past 20 years checked CDs in a certain way.

On shift change I was taught the nurse who comes on duty is given the CD keys, that person then unlocks the CD cupboard and take the drugs out to be counted. The nurse going off duty agrees with the count and signs accordingly.

I have started a new position and the staff nurse states it doesnt matter who takes the drugs out and counts them

Am I right in believing the RN who comes on duty gets the keys to do the count?

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    • Featured Replies

    I think it's a matter of facility policy. Check with your pharmacist - they are the experts in inventory control.

    The practice wherever I've worked has been that the oncoming nurse counts pills while the off-going nurse verifies the count on the control sheet. I've been told that both nurses should be looking at both the count and the control sheet - which slows things down a bit but is worth doing, especially if discrepancies are a problem.

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    • Author

    That's what I thought. Thanks for your input.

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    That's what I thought. Thanks for your input.

    Definitely check with your pharmacist. If you are going to challenge this co-worker, it'll help to have back-up.

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    The hospitals I worked at in the UK didn't matter as long as 2 nurses did the count and signed off

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    Practically speaking, it probably makes little difference - one of those "rituals" with little evidence to support it. Our pharmacy consultant told us that it was about decreasing the possibility of diversion by the off-going nurse, as if diversion couldn't be covered up by a simple "oops, I forgot to chart it."

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    • Author

    Thanks for your reply. I think I will stick with what I have always done. It was the way I was taught and I have never had a problem in 20 years until now.

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    • Guides

    Legally the nurse in charge of the ward is responsible for the custody and security of the CD meds and keys. You can delegate the duties but the responsibility is yours

    Personally, I would check myself if I'm charge.

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    I think it just depends on you policy/procedure standards. At some hospitals that's how it's done and at others, it doesn't matter who does the count. Some do the count daily, on Sundays, or Saturdays. It's very hospital specific, but I daresay that if you haven't had a problem prior, you're good. xo

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    I think it just depends on you policy/procedure standards. At some hospitals that's how it's done and at others, it doesn't matter who does the count. Some do the count daily, on Sundays, or Saturdays. It's very hospital specific, but I daresay that if you haven't had a problem prior, you're good. xo

    I am guessing you use a pyxis system? In areas that don't the controlled drugs are required to be counted every shift change

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