how many nurses....

JB2007, ASN, RN · Oct 6, 2010

Sometimes I do and sometimes I do not get my med pass done on time. It mostly depends on whether or not other things are happening and how much the supervisor wants to help when stuff happens. Usually they do not help, so I run behind. If the morning is good and all of the residents are happy and healthy then I get done on time. If I run behind I just make sure the TID and QID meds are given far enough apart that it does not cause problems and the time sensitive meds are given when they as ordered.

If they are going to give me an impossible task to complete I will do my best, but I will not compromise safety or skip meds just to get the med pass done on time.

SirJohnny · Oct 7, 2010

SE_BSN_RN, BSN · Oct 7, 2010

Hi there:
- Don't worry about getting the meds done within the hour time frame. As far as timeframes go, you definitely want to get your accu-checks and insulins out of the way (on-time), but the rest can wait.
- Being an RN (and having to do the med pass), means that if a patient falls, the med pass gets put on hold while I do the assessment, call the MD and family, etc.
- That being said, if you are passing out 7am meds, and there is a 10am med in the bunch ... give it along with the 7am meds.
- Personally, don't kill yourself with respect to the 1 hour rule. There has been many times when I am doing 7a meds as late at 10 or 11 am due to either falls, short staffing, missing meds, missing keys, admissions, residents without name bands, or just being an agency RN in a new facility.
- And yes, when working evening shifts ... I've had the med pass get started 2 hours late due to previous shift being behind due to sick patients, admissions, and falls. In that instance, the med pass went on until after midnight, even though it should have been done around 10pm. What does management expect when you have 40+ residents that you are expected to pass meds, do treatments, handle emergencies, deal with nut case family members, and deal with even nuttier management paperwork?
- Such is healthcare in the 21st century.
SirJohnny

I couldn't have said it better myself!

mRpeNa · Oct 7, 2010

thank you all for your replys... :)

NurseSuzann · Oct 7, 2010

Dont worry if you dont get your med pass done on time. I know first-hand its hard when you have CNAs, residents, families, etc. crowding you but getting flustered will make you take more time, I know its kind of a...you just have to learn to get through it. Make sure you know your pills. Know which patients have to get their meds first. If theres a cheat sheet on diabetics, usually there is, letting you know who is diabetic,know this. Ask the nurses coming off shift if they can give you any helpful hints. Many will not have anything to say since they don't remember what its like to be new and not know every resident, but every once in awhile you get a golden piece of advice. Take note of the resident's routine. Sometimes it is easier to get certain ones done first that have specific routines. Try to be patient when residents or families get upset with you and explain you are doing your best and are not as fast as the regular staff however you want to do the best job you can. I know its hard!!! Good luck. Many nurses don't get their med passes done on time, try not to panic.

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2010

Some tips:

Get your meds earlier from pixis and pass them out an half an hour earlier then specified on the MAR.

Don't kick yourself for not completing your med pass within a specified time, understand this happens to all of us.

Do your assessment along with your med pass (of course you want to introduce yourself early on during your shift for starters).

Trubie, LPN · Oct 8, 2010

I do, but I only have to do blood sugars/insulin and breathing treatments. And peg tubes, but I dont have any of those right now. I have med techs who pass everything else.