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Discussion

Pyxis Problems

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882584536_pyxisproblems.png.cfafe4d1862bc4ec88de9a1a685c2f8b.pngThere's a current thread polling about waiting in a line at the pyxis, the time it takes to pull meds, etc.

I don't get interrupted too often by staff when I'm using the pyxis. The occasional RT to pull meds for breathing treatments or the pharmacy tech to fill some med(s), but usually it's the patients who'll interrupt. They start lining up outside the med room right before med time like Wal-Mart campers on Black Friday.

I refused to open the med room door even though they knock and scratch on it like crazed zombies.

I also refuse to answer the phone when I'm setting up meds. I figure if it's really important, they can call 911.

The Pyxis has its own personality. It's very anal and moves at its own pace. Cubies take forever to open, especially the ones containing acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. I may be wrong but I don't hold a lot of faith in them improving a patient's memory or reminding the cubie to open. I swear! The cubie that contains Aricept takes forever to open!

Okay. That's a start. What kind of Pyxis Problems have you experienced?

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    Looking for someone to observe your waste of narcotics is a big time suck, especially if there is no one around, and you need to give your CIWA patient their wee dose of Ativan.

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    Oh God, when pharmacy randomly decides to send some of your patient's medications from central pharmacy to the patient's bin, some to the drawer, some are lying around in the tubes still, and some are no where to be found. It's a huge time suck. If only they could reliably send up medications, all on time.

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    On 3/15/2019 at 10:45 AM, beekee said:

    Our pharmacy techs stock at the same time. They also stock when you need to get a STAT medication.

    So... many... buttons to push, and pills to count, and keys needed for high-security med boxes, when I just...want...to...get the meds out! I'm high-energy, so I stand there tapping fingers and jiggling one foot while waiting for the boxes to open. On camera, it probably looks like I'm doing the bathroom dance. ?

    Our pyxis is always out of things, so we have to push extra buttons and sign extra paperwork and run around looking for the medications in pharmacy or another pyxis. But at least we don't have to contend with techs stocking at busy times, I guess... win some, lose some?

    Not very fast, intuitive, or user-friendly...but it probably costs a boatload of money, and maybe it's the best option available?

    If I ever have a mental breakdown at work, it will probably be in the med room, and I'll be screaming at the Pyxis. ????

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    1 hour ago, thoughtful21 said:

    I just...want...to...get the meds out! I'm high-energy, so I stand there tapping fingers and jiggling one foot while waiting for the boxes to open. On camera, it probably looks like I'm doing the bathroom dance.

    866567482_pyxisprance.png.115c89702593e9738cc76797a06113e7.png

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    On 3/15/2019 at 7:31 PM, Kooky Korky said:

    Pharmacy delivering meds right when we were the busiest on the Pyxis.

    212587305_pyxisslow.png.b7aaa66d85bb4d53a796752744290918.png

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    On 3/15/2019 at 9:09 PM, JKL33 said:

    From the back:

    Elvis

    Reading package insert (who does that?!)

    Foot-tapping and scoliosis

    Talking on phone (vs. flipping off those ahead)

    Shirt on backwards

    Food in patient care area

    #1 - Banging on and shouting at the machine is not the correct way to override

    Police - ??‍♀️ He should be watching the action, tho

    Very, very good, JKL!

    One you missed was understandable, since you couldn't see how the nurse's behavior was inappropriate.

    While waiting in the pyxis line, one nurse was choking his chicken:

    671598930_pyxisline2.png.33cd51e4ec928248dfe446b2fdfe95a7.png

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    We don't have a med room. Most of our pyxis machines are in main hallways so there is no hiding from patients. They can walk right up to you and demand their meds.. It's super convenient for them to walk up and request their diluadid right then and there. No need to dilute it either.. They'll take it straight in their IV.. ?

    Really, it's a disaster and clearly and afterthought. The only floor that has a true med room is the rehab floor.

    It makes no sense.

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    22 hours ago, xoemmylouox said:

    Most of our pyxis machines are in main hallways... They can walk right up to you and demand their meds... It's super convenient for them to walk up and request their diluadid right then and there. No need to dilute it either.. They'll take it straight in their IV..

    418315086_pyxiselvisron.png.b393488402f2d1eb0f7ffbb2748f71c3.png

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    On 3/15/2019 at 11:05 AM, pixierose said:

    Two words: “Failed drawer” ...

    2043795591_pyxisfailed.png.0a860120f007db1062b43f01f63da67e.png

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    On 3/15/2019 at 11:08 AM, Daisy4RN said:

    Nurse to tech: Excuse me can I get into the Pyxis for a urgent needed med.

    Tech to nurse: (only non verbal communication) Big sigh, looks at nurse with disgust, then slowly finishes what they are doing

    1091908860_pyxisslug.png.19048caa7088c38b5adf1c27fda310fa.png

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    This one wins the internets today!!! And it makes me happy I'm no longer on a floor. My meds are kept in a giant locking Craftsman red box on wheels. The kind you'd normally see storing tools.

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    21 hours ago, ruby_jane said:

    This one wins the internets today!!! And it makes me happy I'm no longer on a floor. My meds are kept in a giant locking Craftsman red box on wheels. The kind you'd normally see storing tools.

    ruby_jane: The Judge of the "Daily Internets Winner!!!"

    Your "giant locking Craftsman red box on wheels" reminds me of a story when I worked as an LPN on the psych unit at Weed Rover Township Hospital from 1984-86:

    I usually worked as the med nurse while the RNs supervised and did their duties. Some of the patients would call the big orange metal med cart "The Drug Wagon" or various other uncomely names.

    So, I had a contest with the patients to name the mad cart and I would act as the judge and select the winner. I chose the name I liked the most and lettered the winning entry on the med cart:

    963583241_pillsonwheels.png.63af128c1d5d76e509fe2f7e337cf8ec.png

    Sadly,I got written up for defacing hospital property and had to remove my artwork.

    I believe that was the first of many times I got into trouble as a nurse.

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