kellyjrn

Hi there... Canoehead, I just wanted to let you know that I do call the pharmacist before dissolving meds in the boiling water...there are a few I haven't been able to do that with, but most you can, they said long term exposure to heat may ruin them, but as long as you dissolve, then add the cooler water, it's all good!! But I recommend to check on any new med you haven't done that with before to check with pharmacy...thanks for bringing that up!!

Well, since you hadn't had one since school, and were only floating, you probably won't have one again for sometime, but here is a hint for giving meds in a J-tube (or peg tube for that matter) to ensure almost guaranteed clot free administration. I take all of the meds and crush them up to a fine powder (or as good as you can get)... then I get this boiling hot water we have from these little taps next to the regular sink and put a little bit (about 4 oz) in a cup with the meds. I let them dissolve and soak for about 10-15 minutes, stirring them with a tongue depressor to keep them dissolving. Then, I put about 8 more oz of water in with them (cool), and take them to give. I flush the tube first with a warm but not hot water, then take the syringe without the stopper in it and pour the med solution in, then flush with about 25 cc more warm water...when I am done it is good as new and I have never had a clot or blockage from the meds. Also, a friend of mine told me she uses clear soda or cranberry juice (apparently the bubbles and / or acid help) to flush and keep the tube patent...Just some nice little hints that help for the future!!

You were asking for shortcuts regarding getting meds out on time etc...most hospitals have a 1/2 hour to hour before or after rule that you can give meds early or late. I like to start to give my meds as soon as possible, so at our hospital, I can give it 1/2 hour before. I go into the medroom and start getting everything prepared 1 hour before so they are all ready. I also use the papercups and write the patient room number on the bottom of them and load them all up at the same time. On my brains I put in red the names of the meds only, and check them with all the rights when I am putting them in the cup. Then I double check my list in the patient's room, with the room number on the cup and the meds inside the cup. This seems to work well for me and I have never made any med errors to date. Also, if you are really in a jam, charge nurses can be asked to help and give meds for you. They are often there to keep the unit flowing and can sometimes help if they are not too innundated. I also find that if I offer to help other nurses whenever possible, they are much more willing to help me when my time of need comes around...hope some of this helps!!