fridge medication storage in emergency department

[7feetunder]

Hi nurses all over the world! :)

Need help here.I'm given full responsiblity in setting up our new emergency department...i don't have idea for the storage of drugs in domestic fridge..

I undetstand that the temp.must maintained 2 - 8 deg. Celcius..but how about the drugs storage for every compartment?any specific placement?

E.g ; propofol..eticoline?

And what your opinion bout this?

1.triage : red,yellow n green.

Red + yellow = 2+3 bed and an observation bay (3 bed).

Above as per set up..but then..our nursing manager come to a&e and argue with me about the observation bay.She said its not observation bay but green zone. What?

I mean, shouldn't green zone is only at waiting area???

Any of you working in er provided green zone a beds??

[Murse901, MSN, RN]

I'm totally confused by the triage portion of your post, so I'll answer your first question -- consult your facility's pharmacy. It sounds like you haven't been given clear instructions on what should and should not be refrigerated (i.e. propofol) and what the refrigeration requirements should be. Your pharmacy will be an invaluable resource for this.

As for what meds should go where in the fridge, it doesn't really matter. Bear in mind that your fridge should be either behind a locked door (in the med room) or should have a lock on the door itself. You will also need a secondary locking system inside for refrigerated controls such as Ativan.

[7feetunder]

I'm totally confused by the triage portion of your post, so I'll answer your first question -- consult your facility's pharmacy. It sounds like you haven't been given clear instructions on what should and should not be refrigerated (i.e. propofol) and what the refrigeration requirements should be. Your pharmacy will be an invaluable resource for this.

As for what meds should go where in the fridge, it doesn't really matter. Bear in mind that your fridge should be either behind a locked door (in the med room) or should have a lock on the door itself. You will also need a secondary locking system inside for refrigerated controls such as Ativan.

Thanks for your reply and advice.I will consult our pharmacist asap :)

Bout the triage..

I only want to ask an opinion.According to what I've learned,Green zone is in the waiting area but oir nursing manager insisted that the green zone should be inside with a bed.I don't think its right.

FYI :The zone she want to change to green zone is observation bay.

She ask me to remove the signage of observation bay to green zone but i do not agree...

[JillBennett]

our ER fridge is linked up with the omnicell, so to unlock it, you must sign in just like other meds. We just have small, labeled bins inside to hold the different meds. I don't think there is any certain way they are stocked, just pharmacy choice.