Medication Administration with Facility Staff

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

I have mixed feelings about it. What was the situation?

iteachob, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

If a student has been checked off satisfactorily in the skills lab, I allow them to practice those skills (meds included) with an RN present. I have clinical students in 3 areas (at once) in my OB clinicals. I try to be there, and usually am, for med passes, but since I can't be everywhere (at all times), the students would miss a lot of opportunities if I didn't allow this. I am in KY.

In the mid 1980's I was a staff nurse on an OB unit in Texas. I had students shadowing me all the time, and I supervised med passes with them back then. Their instructor was in a similar situation to my current one....simultaneously having students in L&D, newborn nursery, and postpartum.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jan 21, 2011

I work in Texas - Rule 214 does not state specifically that a nurse must be with the student who administers medications, but our hospital policy states otherwise. We require the Instructor or an RN on staff witness the event. "checking off" a competency does not mean that the student will know exactly what to do with a different med or patient. Safety first. Were I the patient I would want to know that a licensed nurse was involved in the medication administration.

Staff LVN's are not allowed to precept LVN students or to witness procedures and treatments.

TooterIA · Jan 22, 2011

I am in Iowa. I do not have staff nurses routinely pass meds with my students, but on a rare occasion I will. Like if the pt needs a PRN and I am busy and I have seen the student pass meds successfully before.

rierie · Feb 4, 2011

Thanks for the replies from everyone. This help alot!