How to get faster at med pass

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2011

VS are taken about the same time as med pass where I work. I always follow the CNAs. They take VS, I pass pills. The theory is all needs will be addressed before I enter the room, making it easy to give meds and exit.

Sometimes that doesn't work, sometimes it does.

Biffbradford · Jun 9, 2011

Talkers: "Gotta go!" then exit stage left.

Chin up · Jun 9, 2011

Time, it takes time. You will find a routine that works for you, but it takes time. Peace!

*Posh* · Jun 9, 2011

If the group of nurses I work with and I have "talkers", we have each other or the unit secretary call our spectra link after a few minutes. We say "I'm sorry, but another patient needs me now" and exit! Works every time!

beach sunbuRN · Jun 9, 2011

One of the things I do is on my initial pass to say hi and do checks, I'll take any 8am meds that are do to get those out of the way to give me time until my 9am meds are due to do assessments and check orders. After I get all that done, I go and make "goody bags" for each patient and label with the room number the meds that are due at 9 and such and try to cluster meds (like 9 and 10's, or 8 and 9's,etc) so that I only have to go grab meds once in the first part of the morning. I also chart every single person as I assess them since we have computers in each room. Hope this helps!

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2011

A Med pass isn't a race. If you have 6 ortho pts you may be in their rooms for a bit giving meds, assessing surgical sites, etc. At my facility all AM meds are generally timed for 1000. Most nurses start giving well before that, but if it's 1030 and I'm just now giving meds it isn't technially "late." Some pts will take more time than others, as this is a good time to educate them on side effects, how to take the med at home, etc.

demylenated, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2011

Time is your friend. You will get into a routine.

Safety is not compromised by allowing your med pass to be your med pass. If a patient needs to use the restroom and ASKS, then by all means, take them. But, during your med pass, imo, isn't the time to get into the "what do you need, what can I do for you" routine. I do that during my assessments, or my post-medication rounds. The techs will be entering in the morning for VS and to see about baths and beds, so they will be able to assist if the pt needs something (however, if the patients brings it to your attention, like I said - yes, help then).

Talkers? If it isn't pertinent (small talk), then excuse yourself. "Hold that thought, I'll come back and we will chat about that," (if you use that line, PLEASE do return... that means a lot to the patients). Or, tell them you're sorry you have to cut it short, but you have to do something... Or, have someone come in and tell you you are needed... (I say, I think they just paged me, I have to go check on that).

Also, depending on the medication, pts may have been taking them for years. You can nip some of the information. New meds - yes, explain... the short. The Doc prescribed this to treat that. USUALLY that is all patients want to know... I add, since we are just starting this, let me know if you feel .... (major side effects). I answer questions IF they have them... but I find the former usually satisfies the education - and/or I given them a handout...

Biggest thing is TIME and routine. It will come...

6 patients... ahh... heaven.

me2shugar · Jun 9, 2011

If you are at a LTC I make a copy of the patients and mark who has meds when.

That way when I flip through the MAR I can quickly glance to see if any changes have been made, instead of going through each order everytime..I just do a quick glance.

On my "cheat sheet" I marked who is gtube and gtube feed; also who is crushed or whole. EVery 2-3 minutes counts save them where I can.

Its taken me about 3weeks to just start getting comfortable telling the residents I have to go when I bring the meds in.

I usually say Hello , I am here to give you your meds, and may I check your (what ever issue is on alert), do a quick assesment. Tell them thank you and the tech(name) is on the hall please use the call light if you need anything.

Thank goodness they know what the techs job is and If I answer the call light

they usually say "OH,, I wanted my tech" ..that is such a blessing!

They know that if they are having pain issues or need DR stuff they need to call on me.

Our techs are WONDERFUL..they are my eyes and ears, I always let them know where I am and they let me know what they are doing.

It makes passing the meds easier.

I have 34-38 residents.

When I first started 3 weeks ago I needed help at the end of shift to get med pass and charting done on my hall. The other nurses were very supportive and helpful.

Now I have sort of got a routine and need help less and less.

Yesterday was the first time I was actually done 10 before shift end and did my whole shift without help!

You can do it just give it some time and you will get a routine.

I have to walk and move like wildfire..but always with a smile.IT helps.

goodluck.

Zaphod, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2011

Slingshot, jk. Actualy. Take your time with med pass.

thehipcrip · Jun 10, 2011

Also, depending on the medication, pts may have been taking them for years. You can nip some of the information. New meds - yes, explain... the short. The Doc prescribed this to treat that. USUALLY that is all patients want to know... I add, since we are just starting this, let me know if you feel .... (major side effects). I answer questions IF they have them... but I find the former usually satisfies the education - and/or I given them a handout...

Thank you. Unless this is a new admit or the first time a new medication is being given, it really shouldn't be necessary to go into any more explanation than, "Here are your meds: Drug A for Condition 1, Drug B for Condition 2, and Pill C, which does this."

@OP: At the risk of sounding harsh, I have to ask if you're giving such detailed explanations about the meds you're passing for the patients' benefit or for your own.

I can *somewhat* understand a nurse reciting a primer on every drug the first time s/he administers them to me as a way of making sure I've received the info (although I'd much prefer that nurse ask me if I'm familiar with my meds first rather than just assuming I know nothing). But nurses who go into detail than simply identifying the drug and its basic function once I've already received that medication during my tenure as a patient feels condescending. As with everything, YMMV.

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Jun 10, 2011

Thank you. Unless this is a new admit or the first time a new medication is being given, it really shouldn't be necessary to go into any more explanation than, "Here are your meds: Drug A for Condition 1, Drug B for Condition 2, and Pill C, which does this."
@OP: At the risk of sounding harsh, I have to ask if you're giving such detailed explanations about the meds you're passing for the patients' benefit or for your own.
I can *somewhat* understand a nurse reciting a primer on every drug the first time s/he administers them to me as a way of making sure I've received the info (although I'd much prefer that nurse ask me if I'm familiar with my meds first rather than just assuming I know nothing). But nurses who go into detail than simply identifying the drug and its basic function once I've already received that medication during my tenure as a patient feels condescending. As with everything, YMMV.

I just explain the ones they are not familiar with and give a pretty brief description (it's name and what it's for). Nothing lengthy whatsoever.