DON med pass?

[ADZLPN]

I work in NJ. Our DON told us in a meeting that it was "against the law" for her to push a cart (pass meds). Anyone ever hear of this? Our old DON did it all the time!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I assume she's a nurse. If she is, why would it be "illegal" for her to give meds? She doesn't want to work the floor. That's how I interpret that statement. She expects that her employees won't pursue the issue if she says it's illegal.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

I've tried to find the link and can't..sorry. Somewhere in the federal regulations it states something to the effect of "The facility is required to employ a full time Director of Nursing. This role can not be utilized to fulfill a fill a floor nurse position if the facility has 60 or more licensed skilled beds". This is not the exact working, but the idea is there.

This should not mean that in an emergency the DON can't take a med cart, or take an admission, etc.

But, just as important to remember...the DON does have a job to do and chances are he/she isn't doing it if she is always passing meds.

[ADZLPN]

An emergency situation is the only time I would think of for her to do it. I'd never expect it regularly. She was using it as a reason for her to not pick up the slack when we are extremely short on nurses.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

An emergency situation is the only time I would think of for her to do it. I'd never expect it regularly. She was using it as a reason for her to not pick up the slack when we are extremely short on nurses.

Well I'm pretty certain the regs don't allow me to be an aide either but I've been one (full shift) twice in past 6 months. Gotta do whatcha gotta do some days. :)