pills left by bedside when patient is in the bathroom

Published

When I was being mentored in med surg, I noticed that my mentor left the patients pills in a cup on her bedside table. She yelled into the bathroom that the patient's pills were there when she was ready. Is this commonly done and how do you feel about it?

I have seen problems, that is why I ask. I was really loathe to hand them out to some patients, for just that reason.

What kinds of problems have you run into? Maybe if I hear them, I'll know what to look out for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

NO! NO! NO!

Never, under any circumstances leave meds at a patient's bedside. It doesn't matter what the med is. Any nurse who does this is setting herself/himself up for major league trouble.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion