not counting narcotics anymore

[Betty_SPN_KS]

I went to work last night and found out we don't have to count all narcotics anymore, just certain ones. I am puzzled. I thought it was required by the state or something?

We used to spend several minutes at each shift change counting them, mostly Lortab and Ativan for our residents. But now we only count Duragesic patches and certain drugs, like morphine or something. I find it odd to have to count the patches. Seems someone would be more likely to steal a pill than a patch.

[dosamigos76, RN]

I work on a surgical floor and we use the Acudose system. We count each shift and no one leaves until it is done and verified...Would scare me NOT to count, you know???

Cheryl

[dosamigos76, RN]

I work on a surgical floor and we use the Acudose system. We count each shift and no one leaves until it is done and verified...Would scare me NOT to count, you know???

Cheryl

[Pattiecake]

Don't believe everything you hear. Go to the top administration to check this one out, and get the directive not to count in writing. Keep a copy of this directive at home as well as at work. There are times when administration makes a decision to change something and it is not in writing. Then whe the s*** starts to hit the fan they could deny ever having given that directive, if it is not in writing. It is absolutely possible that someone who wants to divert some controlled substances has started the "don't need to count" rumour. I urge you to check this one out. It certainly doesn't sound right to me. Controlled substances are Federally mandated.