Question about prescribing medicines

[BarBz00]

Hi! i came across with a topic that NPs can prescribe medicine under protocols but not basic level RNs. And here in philippines we dont offer the course to become NPs. Do we have a law regarding nurse prescribing medicines. As a nurse in a company operating 24hours a day and have a company doctor working 8hours a day so basically there will be a time that the nurse will be the one handling basic consultation. Does dispensing medication to our patient and prescribing medications are the same? Eg. Patient complaints of fever and difficulty of swallowing and exudates was reaveled in the tonsil . I can give paracetamol and pain reliever but cn i give prescription for antibiotics? What if the doctor aproves or the company allows the nurse to prescribe medicines. Or just simply prescribe under the doctor's name and guidance.? Will it be called illegal or malpractice? Is there a difference between writing order trhough phone in hospital setting and carrying out and writing prescription in a company base setting? Need your opinions thank you.

[BarBz00]

To summarize Will it be acceptable in the philippines if i "for" the doctor signiture in the prescription?

[mikeru22]

Artical 6, Section 28 of RA 9173 (The Philippine Nursing Law) doesn't include prescribing medications in our scope of practice. Anything done outside the boundaries of our scope of practice is called malpractice so it is never acceptable to give prescriptions to patients , most specially if it has your signature on it.

In hospital settings, even medications like paracetamol tablets wouldn't be given to patients unless indicated in Physician's Order Sheets or unless included in standing orders.

[BarBz00]

Thank you for the reply mikeru22. Just follow up question how come in the job description of a company nurse include the dispensing of medecine such as analgesic and paracetamol is it the same as prescribing medicine or worst?

[elkpark]

"Dispensing" and "prescribing" medication are indeed two v. different activities. "Prescribing" is deciding what medication is indicated and appropriate for the individual in her/his specific situation (and ordering it). "Dispensing" is handing out the medication that has been prescribed.

[BarBz00]

Now i see thanks elkpark. U helped me there.

[BarBz00]

So basically in a company with 50 not exceeding 300 with full time nurse and part time doctor that actually not a part time but an HMO accredited should just do first aid dont give any medication at all if come across with a patient complaining of headache or fever?

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

You could get a standing order that covers you to give certain medication when a doctor is not available

[BarBz00]

Thank you for that silverdragon102. So basically i could give medication but not prescribe. In my case we already have protocol for that but at grave yard shift and texted the doctor and ask me to give antibiotics Rx for patient, i should refuse to sign it?

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Thank you for that silverdragon102. So basically i could give medication but not prescribe. In my case we already have protocol for that but at grave yard shift and texted the doctor and ask me to give antibiotics Rx for patient, i should refuse to sign it?

If the doctor texted you a prescription then if texts are accepted policy then you should follow the policy and give the prescription. Just make sure it is fully documented and doctor signs ASAP

[BarBz00]

Then is it ok to put it in my CV as job description take history diagnos simple illness request laboratory test and if needed prescribe medicine under doctor's name and guidance?

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

You are not prescribing under dr's name and guidance. You are transcribing doctor's orders. Personally I would leave that off and put something like following MD orders as per MD or facility orders. Also be careful on diagnosing simple illness as that really comes under MD not nursing. Do you not have a job description from the company?