Nurse Medication Admin Safety

[justrose79]

I'm looking for ideas to share that visibly marks a nurse who is adminstering meds. In an attempt to raise safety, we're looking at how we nurses can visibly be identified when prepering and adminstering meds. With this disctinction, we're trying to prevent distractions from drs, patients, etc.

Are there any current practices that exist or you may have seen. I've seen many articles on studies that have used a bright colored vest, tabard or sash. Does anyone else have any other ideas???

Appreciate it!

Cheers,

justrose79

[DusktilDawn]

I think educating doctors and other non-nursing staff about the dangers of repeated interruptions when a nurse is attempting to administer meds could be a start, seriously emphazing the fact that they may be placing a patient in danger. I mean really educate them as to how we're taught to do it and why. The sight of the pills, syringes, and the MAR certainly doesn't seem to give them a clue.

I don't doubt you could find studies on how interruptions cause medication errors, the trouble is it would involve those doing the interrupting to change THEIR behavior instead of the nurse. I find in most facilities when it comes to changes, it's usually winds up being the nurse that has to accommodate everybody else first. Huge problem, no one wants to be the one to change, they usually want it to be somebody else.

I seriously don't know how you could get the patients or the visitors to clue in.

[fultzymom]

I work in LTC et we stand at med carts while preparing meds. Family, other workers, docs, patients can clearly see that we are preparing someones meds. It does not matter. They still interupt us while doing med passes.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I work in LTC et we stand at med carts while preparing meds. Family, other workers, docs, patients can clearly see that we are preparing someones meds. It does not matter. They still interupt us while doing med passes.

Even branding us with an "M" in the middle of the forehead wouldn't matter.

And really, if we're the only nurse on the unit, sometimes they (not families) have to. As to the families, I know your mother is dehydrated. We have been encouraging her to take more fluids for weeks. Your telling her and us that you only want her drinking the "pure" water you bring is not helping. But thanks for taking 10 minutes of my time to tell me that your 94-year-old mom is dehydrated. And following me when I walk away with meds in my hands. Now, where was I?

[miko014]

They should post signs on the doors and on the walls every few feet that say, "please do not bother the nurses". That would be sweet.

[justrose79]

Absolutely and definitely agree on the education. We're just needing something very visible to drive and facilitate the new learning process.

Thanks for your input everyone!