Evening Med Pass Question

[westieluv]

I work part-time in a LTC facility on the evening shift. At the LTC facility where I worked previously, we had a few meds to pass at 5pm but had one big med pass at 8pm. At the facility where I work now, we have a huge med pass at 5pm and another one at 8pm. By the time I squeeze in my treatments and documentation, I am literally on my feet for 8 1/2 hours straight, which is beating my body up. This has me wondering: what is the evening med pass schedule in your facility? Do you have to do two huge passes every evening, or is it condensed into one? I have only worked here for four months but I am about ready to throw in the towel because I am so sore at the end of my shift from walking back and forth for 8 1/2 hours every time I work.

[Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN]

Since meds are ordered Q6 H, BID, etc. before and after meals, at HS, etc. it is very hard to control how many are given at a certain time. I always said if they ever did a time and motion study and expected us to do every thing exactly by the book we would never get our work done. Having the ability to stand endlessly is defiantly a requirement. Then again I think about bank tellers and cashiers who have to stand and don't even get a chance to walk around.

I was a cashier for 3 years before nursing. At my last job I would find a stool and sit in between customers. Its not that I couldn't stand its just that theres no reason why I have to stand as long as I'm not with a customer. Everyone else sat. I sit at my job now whenever I get the chance. During wound care I sit. I find I do a better job and I'm more focused and get a better view of the wound.