Getting used to this med pass! Is it just me?

Nurses General Nursing

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I just started at a new job, and haven't had to do a med pass in quite some time. The unit I am on is small, about 20 patients. Morning meds are to be started at 6am. My patients have an average of four meds a piece, and I need to be done by 645 to give report. I'm just so slow at this, so many patients are out of their meds and then when I get done I have to still do pharmacy requisition forms for them. Any tips on how to get this all  done in 45 minutes? I was an hour over the other day and was debating if I should punch out and then keep working, but quickly decided that was a BAD idea. (I'm only PT so there will be no OT, but still. ) Other nurses get this done on time, some in 20 minutes. I feel like I'm doomed, here. 

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Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.

Okay, so never punch out and continue working no matter what anyone tells you. 

Do you have to wait until 0600 to start your meds? With the hour window, why not get started at 0500?

If you can't start early, my advice is to give it time, as you learn the residents and the meds you will get much much faster, just be patient, you're not doomed.

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I can't start at 6. There's a reason I can't go into, but it has to be 630. I just can't ever see myself getting this all done in 15 minutes. 

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Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.

That's really odd that you have such a small time frame to pass meds on 20 patients. I would encourage you to really evaluate whether or not the reason you're being forced to have such a small time frame to administer those meds is legal. 15 minutes for 20 patients is very fast and I would question if it is being done safely. 

However, if you choose to stay here and adhere to this timeframe I still think it will get easier with time and practice, just don't sacrifice safety in order to meet your deadline.

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13 hours ago, vwgirl said:

I just can't ever see myself getting this all done in 15 minutes. 

Less than 60" per patient? Nah, I wouldn't even entertain that idea or let anyone get away with saying that's what's supposed to be happening. Some people are going to have to come up with something different.

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Specializes in Rehab/Nurse Manager.

I'm a little confused because originally you stated that your morning meds need to start at 6am, then changed it to 6:30 am after someone asked if you could start earlier at 5am.  

Regardless, it does seem that whichever time is correct (6 or 6:30), you are being asked to do a lot within a short period of time.  And this is counting on someone not falling, not having a low blood sugar,  not needing to go to the ER, not having many call light requests to use the restroom, or anything else that could disrupt your flow/routine in the morning.  

I do agree that once you get a routine down and you know your patient's a bit better you will become quicker.  At the same time, I do wonder what, if any, shortcuts, the other nurses may be taken in order to get done on time.  

Wondering if you have asked any of your colleagues what works for them? 

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

That sounds like a ridiculous challenge. Unless someone pre-popped all the pills into meds cups (NEVER ADVISABLE), I don't see how you can safely accomplish this task in that time frame. 

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

The only thing I can think of is to pull the meds ahead of time. But, it depends on how your meds are done. I've always worked hospitals, so 20 patients would give me a heart attack. But, we scan patient, scan the meds. Every pill has a barcode. (helps with not accidentally giving a patient the wrong pack of pills). I also have no idea why you'd be giving 4 pills at 6am. My 6am meds were limited to a few things, diuretics (what a way to start your morning!), syntheroid (empty stomach), and the handful of blood pressure medications that were TID (hydralizine).  Many people want to take their meds with food.

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Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.
3 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

The only thing I can think of is to pull the meds ahead of time. But, it depends on how your meds are done. I've always worked hospitals, so 20 patients would give me a heart attack. But, we scan patient, scan the meds. Every pill has a barcode. (helps with not accidentally giving a patient the wrong pack of pills). I also have no idea why you'd be giving 4 pills at 6am. My 6am meds were limited to a few things, diuretics (what a way to start your morning!), syntheroid (empty stomach), and the handful of blood pressure medications that were TID (hydralizine).  Many people want to take their meds with food.

At some LTC's all of the "daily" meds will be given at 0600 for certain patients to help lighten the dayshift med pass a little bit. At my facility all anti-diabetic meds are given at 0600 including insulin, which I don't agree with but it is allegedly how our medical director likes it, which I don't necessarily believe. ? Maybe that's why she's giving 4 pills?

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Specializes in med surg.
  • Good Lord that cannot be done in 45 minutes.  You do have 1 hr before.  I always at night shift looked at 4 to see who had meds.  If they get up to potty you give them.  At this pace you can have them done by 630
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