Med monitoring without a script

[psychnurse15]

I monitor medication administation for psychiatric patients in a community residence at a psych hospital. We need scripts for everything, even ASA.

I recently has a patient who refused to attend multiple appointments and has run out of meds....and does not have a valid script. My US (LCSW) believes she should be given her multi (script) and Lovaza from the OTC supply, even though she doesn't have a script.

People until tomorrow (when I work) have given it to her. I refuse to do this....I will not medicate a patient who does not have a script for these meds.

Am I correct here???

[RN403, BSN, RN]

If you "need scripts for everything, even Aspirin", I would not give a medication without an order/script to do so. Policy is policy. Are you able to contact the MD to obtain a new order/script for this patient? Did you talk to your supervisor about this matter?

[psychnurse15]

If you "need scripts for everything, even Aspirin", I would not give a medication without an order/script to do so. Policy is policy. Are you able to contact the MD to obtain a new order/script for this patient? Did you talk to your supervisor about this matter?

Yes, the unit super is aware and is ordering me to give the med. I am refusing at this time. The patient has been a no-show for 4 appointments to obtain refills, and the Dr. is aware of this.

Deep breaths.....I'm so annoyed.

[elkpark]

It's fine for your (non-physician) boss to "order" you to give the med -- s/he is not the person who's going to be in trouble with the BON when the doo-doo hits the fan on this one, and would certainly throw you under the bus if/when that day comes. You are correct to refuse (and continue to refuse) to give any rx medication without a current, valid rx. I wouldn't touch that situation with the proverbial ten-foot pole.