PDR.net does not recognize RNs as medical professionals

caliotter3 · Mar 7, 2009

I stopped looking around for a PDR when I found out that it is nothing more than a compilation of the drug inserts produced by the manufacturers. I prefer my info from sources that are less prone to bias. Still, rather surprised that the editors are not in line with the importance of nurses in the medication "flow chart".

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2009

RNs are nursing professionals.

I suppose it would be more correct to define RNs (and the rest of that list) as healthcare professionals.

SharonH, RN · Mar 7, 2009

PDRs are really for prescribers; that is one of the reaons I never really relied on it as a resource when I was at the bedside. I don't think it's that they don't consider RNs as professionals per se, it's just that in general RNs don't prescribe.

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 7, 2009

I think the PDR only recognizes those who have prescription privileges. It isn't intended to slight the RN.

The writing of orders and prescriptions is limited to physicians and other health care professionals who are properly licensed in their state(s). Although medical students do not write prescriptions, they are learning how to do it.

That's my take on it.

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2009

We all know that nurses often make decisions on what meds a pt needs- I will call a doc and say "can I give the pt such-and-such med/dose/duration" and the only thing the doc has to do with it is to say "Okay."

Iam46yearsold · Mar 8, 2009

I can not even remember the last time I referred to the PDR. To lengthy for my tastes anyway. I prefer a source more concise and to the point.

TiredMD · Mar 8, 2009

Never even opened the stupid thing.

When I need administration information, I use Davis' Drug Guide for Nurses.

When I need info on adverse effects, dosing, and interactions, I prefer to use sources not published by the manufacturer.

I really don't think you're missing out on much.

MN BigJ · Mar 8, 2009

Physicians Desk Reference is for people that prescribe the drugs, not actually use them. Look at the list provided, all people who prescribe. Now if they would give access to NA's, Dental assistants, and vet techs, then I would be upset that RN's aren't listed. Actually I still wouldn't be upset because there are alot more important things in life.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 8, 2009

I am not too thrilled to have lift a book that may break my arms, to search through pages and pages of information just to find side effects and more advertising logos, anyhow. Most doctors I know get the monthly PDR digest. Can't blame them, either. Too much crapola to go through.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2009

Hi Everybody,
This morning I went to a site called PDR.net (Physicians Desk Reference on-line). I was flabbergasted to see that in order to use the professional portion of the website you had to be a "medical professional"--all others are sent to a general site. Here is what they feel constitutes a medical professonal:
physician
resident
nurse practioner
CNM
clincal nurse specialist
nurse anesthetist
P.A.
dentist
medical student
optometrist
Excuse me, when is a RN not a medical professional? I am denied membership because I am a registered nurse. At the bottom of the page I clicked on Thompson Reuters who publishes and sponsors this site and wrote a complaint email. Aren't we the ones who administer medications and have to know the side effects and risks to our patients? Although there are other sources for medication information, this is suposedly the most comprehensive. In my opinion, this organization subtly undermines and devalues registered nurses. If you are as appalled as me, go to the site and email them. I just did.

Hang on...if you look, these are all advanced degrees.

Nothing wrong with them limiting membership to those that do.