Do you actually memorize all pts meds?

[Nuieve]

The nurses I work with seem to remember each drug a patient has. They just pull them out of carts, pick the ones pt needs at this time (including vitamins) and then verify/chart them in MAR book. They just know what every patient takes. At this time (having worked for about 10 days now) it seems impossible to me.

Do you also remember all your pts meds? How long did it take you to memorize them (assuming most of your pts stay for a while in your LTC)?

[FLArn]

Finally didit;

All I can say is BAD PRACTICE. Pulling meds without checking the MAR every time is like asking for for trouble. It's easy enough to make an error using the MAR without it - it's not will you make an error -- it's WHEN will you make one. only a matter of time:eek:

[Finallydidit]

Finally didit;

All I can say is BAD PRACTICE. Pulling meds without checking the MAR every time is like asking for for trouble. It's easy enough to make an error using the MAR without it - it's not will you make an error -- it's WHEN will you make one. only a matter of time:eek:[/quo

EXCUSE ME?.. PULL from Memory, POP from MAR..... What part of that statment said I didn't use the MAR everytime??

All I can say is its BAD PRACTICE, when a nurse can't understand what she is reading.

[Schmoo1022]

At my facilty, doses change much faster then the pill cards in the cart. Yes, I do know most of meds my residents take, but many times the sticker on the card is not correct or something may have been dc'd and not removed from the med cart. People may forget to pass on a new med or ABX in report, especially when you have 30-40 residents.

[dreamingkim]

I have been working in my LTC for the past 3.5 months. I have most of my residents meds memorized by heart. But I work 3rds, so it is a lot less meds to pass. It helps me to make a list of meds due along with my MAR when I am pulling the tabs in the book. It kind of works like a double check. Then you can see on the list who is done. But I always double check with the book.

[Chris81]

I believe that you START by opening the MAR,pull med(s),check label,sign off,admin.,circle/doc. if refused. Having worked LTC for 31 yrs., last 21 in same place, with yes, very familiar pts./meds, I still do it the same way, every day. Easy,quick the other ways-yes. Poor practice-Definitely yes. How can you mentor students or orient new staff? If you do it right every time-no doubt, no questions, little room for error.