Medication Administration

NYCRN16 · Dec 25, 2008

Its bad practice anywhere, and should not be done. If that nurse poured the wrong medication and you gave it, you would be the one in trouble. Just remember to follow the 5 rights of medication and you can never go wrong.

nursemanatee · Dec 25, 2008

NYCRN 16: Thanks for your reply. I know you are correct about the 5 Rights. But I do construe from your answer that you know this is not illegal. However, it is not Best Practice. Is this so? Nursemanatee:crying2:

MichelleRN84 · Jan 3, 2009

Hi Nurse,

I was always taught in nursing school that you NEVER let someone give the medications that means not letting medication stay at the bedside, and not even trusting a best friend whos a nurse to give your meds for you, the reason is if for ANY reason at all god forbid something happens to that patient and that nurse made the error your but is essentially on the line. Its better to be safe then sorry and loose your license for an extra minute, and besides its someones life your dealing with so check recheck and rererecheck your meds and most definetly give it yourselfv

NYCRN16 · Jan 3, 2009

NYCRN 16: Thanks for your reply. I know you are correct about the 5 Rights. But I do construe from your answer that you know this is not illegal. However, it is not Best Practice. Is this so? Nursemanatee:crying2:

I don't think its illegal in the sense where you could go to jail, but it is against hospital policy in probably every place there is, and it is bad practice, which can cause you to lose your license. Remember, we are held at a standard to do in every situation what a "prudent" nurse with similar experience and training would do. Since its taught from day one that you do not give meds that someone else prepared (except by pharmacy) and you follow the 5 rights, any deviation from this procedure could get you in trouble.