Patients & Pain Meds

[nurseby07]

Has anyone else noticed an increase in the last month or so of patients who are being denied pain meds or having the meds decreased? It seems like many many many of my patients have pain med issues and they call me, cry to me, beg me to help them. I have called doctors when I felt they were needed but most have been denied. So many of my patients have a drug abuse history and I am pretty sure that a lot of them are seeking, but it seems to me that with gaping wounds they would need meds. I feel like my hands are tied, especially when they have signed narcotic contracts, to help them. My visits have ended up being all about a shoulder to cry on while they cry to me about how someone broke in and stole their meds, they have been to 6 ERs in the last month, they won't have meds to cover them for the weekend, etc.

I HATE it. I have spoken to my supervisor and she said to just clearly state that my hands are tied. But it doesn't make it any easier when I am in their home and they are telling me they are going to buy narcotics off the street.

Just a rant. Ugggh.

[paradiseboundRN]

Yes, I have been having a problem getting my patients pain meds also. I have an 85 y/o man who has gastric pain and rates it 10/10. He is not eligible for surgery due to his multiple other problems. He really should be in Hospice but doesn't want to give up dialysis. He has no abuse history. I finally got a pain management dr to accept him if he went for a drug screen FIRST! Unbelieveable!

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

Ive had terminal cancer patients denied pain control because of the fear of them becoming addicted. So what if they do? I mean, come on...they are dying. At least let them die pain-free. I know what you mean and its so sad.