Always learning

How does your PACU handles narcotic administration and waste? Let's take Fentanyl 100mcg/2ml for example...... If your order is to give Fentanyl 25mcg Q5 Min for pain. Do you give one dose of 25mcg and waste the remainder of the vial? Then get a new vial each time a dose is needed? Do you give 25mcg and save the remainder of the vial for the following doses? If you reuse the same vial, do you draw up the whole 2mls in a syringe, label it and then give in 25mcg doses as needed? Or do you draw up 25mcg each time its needed, entering the vial each time? How long would a vial/syringe be good for once entered or drawn up? What do you do with the vial/syringe between doses? Do you keep it in your pocket, on your computer work station, in a lock box at the bedside or is there another option? Thank you ahead of time for those willing to answer my long question. I am new to the PACU and the way of handling narcotics in this unit is so different than what I am use to.

I have just started in the PACU after working in the NICU for 30 years. I would love to hear your feeling now about the transition to PACU after being there for a year. For me there are things I really like about the PACU and things that are so different and confusing. It is truly a totally different kind of nursing.