Direct care nursing question

[jpelston]

I am a student and I am having trouble to with understanding the reasoning behind a particular nursing action.

The application of the skin barrier I thought was a dependent care measure because in orde3r to use the skin barrier there needs to be an order from a doctor, which makes it a dependent nursing action.

That logic is wrong and I am not sure why. Is the skin barrier application an action I can take as a nurse and use independently and without a written order?

I appreciate any insight into this wrong thinking.

Jennifer

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

We had skin barrier lotion that we used routinely on patients without orders. It's a non-Rx item that was stocked on our floor and included in most of our cleanup kits.

Think of it this way. Many inpatients are at risk for bed sores. Would you want an action as basic as applying a skin barrier to be physician-dependent? Are nurses not competent enough to assess an at-risk bottom and apply a lotion to prevent breakdown?

[SeattleJess]

Gosh, I hope it's not physician-dependent! I'm a lowly CNA and I lather on the barrier cream the first time I see red skin regardless of whether the care plan explicitly requires it. I leave mini-tubes by the bedside and mention it at the shift change.

[jpelston]

Thanks for the other way to think about it Soldier nurse22. I wouldn't want it to be dependent. I will use that in the future...thanks again...

[jpelston]

I wouldn't call you lowly, rather a huge and integral part of healthcare. I always thought any application of product would require an order. Thanks for you insight ...it will definetly help me in the future.

[SeattleJess]

I wouldn't call you lowly, rather a huge and integral part of healthcare. I always thought any application of product would require an order. Thanks for you insight ...it will definetly help me in the future.

And your patients/residents!