Is this within our scope of practice?

caliotter3 · Aug 23, 2010

As long as there is a doctor's order, no problem. Follow the order. We had a couple of residents with orders for alcohol and never had a problem. When one passed away, her bottle of wine was still in the fridge in the med room and the nurses joked about who was going to get it.

Peds_Nurse · Aug 23, 2010

Thanks, Cali...I was just worried because it didn't seem as though it was a good idea to dispense alcohol to patients who are already compromised, both mentally and physically.

caliotter3 · Aug 23, 2010

I thought the same thing myself when I first saw it, but was told by the supervisor that the doctor's order covers the situation.

Leelee2 · Aug 24, 2010

We will do that also in our LTC place, but Only with an MD order. Don't think it is a great idea either, but with MD order it is ok, also a right of the resident, since this is considered their "home" and at home, they would have a drink if they wanted to.

teeniebert, LPN · Aug 24, 2010

There are several residents at my facility who get a glass of wine with dinner or at bedtime...the only issue I have with this is the order never specifies what kind of wine the resident can have, and the facility buys them each a bottle of Wild Irish Rose. *shudder*

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2010

These residents have the right to drink alcoholic beverages with meals, so you're covered as long as the attending physician has it ordered.

Not only is it perfectly legal, but it is their right to drink. The elderly don't lose rights by getting placed into a nursing home/LTC facility.

liberty_bell · Aug 24, 2010

I agree with commuter. My only concern with it would be that they are not allowed to smoke on the patio when having it. Heard a story long ago about an LTC patient who had whisky every night and one day started himself on fire...don't even know if it's true but with dinner I'd have no issues giving it to them at all.

Peds_Nurse · Aug 25, 2010

AT our facility, the residents are not allowed to smoke. Those that come to us as smokers are immediately put on a smoking cessation program. We also don't allow the resident to move about the facility with the alcohol, they know they must stay in their rooms and enjoy their "treat". We have many other residents that are there for alcohol related dementia and the smell of alcohol on someone else would put these other people in a tail spin, I'm afraid.

San2003 · Aug 25, 2010

I completely understand your concerns, especially give his DX of ETOH related dementia but as the others have already mentioned with a MD order your covered. Even here in PA with our strict state guidelines in LTC we too with a MD order can administer ETOH. My concerns are with those family members who are not aware of the legal obligations we have to their love ones we have, take them out on LOAS and give them ETOH! Then bring them back and I have to give them meds as ordered. I know they have had ETOH I can smell it. I then have to call the MD and inform them. Which is usually a MD on call who doesnt know the resident and get orders to hold specific meds. I think if the families realized the significants of this they may reconsider their decision. I mean I end up holding stuff like coumadin, B/P meds and much needed pain relieving narcotics. Just for a couple glasses of wine. I don't think the wine is worth it.

georgianurse89 · Aug 31, 2010

At our facility, we have a resident that has an MD order for ETOH (Mr. Boston's Vodka to be specific), I never question giving it. I mean, if you have alcohol induced dementia then there is a serious addiction and if the ETOH is withheld then you are increasing the possibilities of something bad to happen. The MD only has ordered enough to maintain a level of ETOH in the blood to keep away withdrawal symptoms/DT's, not enough to get them drunk or keep them drunk.