Inorder to give otc meds, such as tylenol, do you just have to have consent from a parent, or is a md order needed, and does this vary from state to state? I am asking because I work in a residential facility for psych/behavioral prob kids , that also has a day school on campus. We, the nursing dept, give all sorts of otc's with no standing doctors orders,to the kids that reside there (with a consent from parent/social worker upon admission)... but accept a letter from the parents for the day students.
I am not comfortable with this, as as nurse, I think we are doing the wrong thing by giving any otc w/o an order, .... but then again, for kids at our school, and in regular public schools, just a signed form from the parent will do. I dont know where to find this info.... can anybody provide insight?
I am uncomfortable giving kids that reside at this facility tylenol, cold syrup, etc w/o an order. help!!!
Check with your Board of Nursing. It is a state by state Nurse Practice Act and medical practice issue. Occ Health nurses I know have dispensers installed so the adults can buy their meds from a vending machine so the nurse is not administering outside of his/her license.
bergren
1,112 Posts
Check with your Board of Nursing. It is a state by state Nurse Practice Act and medical practice issue. Occ Health nurses I know have dispensers installed so the adults can buy their meds from a vending machine so the nurse is not administering outside of his/her license.