Counting Liquid NARCS

[ltcnurse4u, CNA, LPN]

I recently picked up a 2nd job, part time to make some extra cash. At this nursing home, we must have a 2nd nurse or TMA co-sign or verify the correct dosage for all liquid NARCS. I found this policy understandable but very time consuming when have quite a few residents who get scheduled Morphine and/or Ativan. I have 42 residents and the HS med pass is very heavy. I have been a nurse for almost 8 years and this is the only facility that requires this. At first I thought this was because someone may have been diverting the medication but when I asked about it to my supervisor I was told that it is state regulation. How do I find out if this is a state reg? I asked other co-workers at my full time job and no one has heard of it.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Wait, is it every time you give the med? or just at shift change?

Can you ask your pharmacy services about "the reg"?

[ltcnurse4u, CNA, LPN]

Every time we give a liquid narc. I am being told by our ADON that its a state reg

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I don't know the regs in all 50 states, but it isn't a reg in Massachusetts. I would call your pharmacy consultant. Often 'regs' are urban myths.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Not in NH either

[Finestnurse, Lpn]

The ADON is probably saying this bc they think thats why but it sounds more like a facility/ corporate policy. I once worked at an ALF where the liquid narcs had to be predrawn into dosages and we just counted each dose. Hh or hospice nurses had to draw into syringes than deliver them. Strange but true. ALF where i currently am doesnt do that but we frequently have issues with counts being off on liquids, over and under. I dont like them and think in this day and age there should be something more error proof. My opinion.

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

Sounds like a facility policy. We only sign at change of shift & if we have to waste any.

Check your state regulation to be sure.