I recently began work in a 10-bed ER in a rural area. The closest 24-hour pharmacy is close to an hour away, so it is common practice for our ER MD's to order a couple doses of meds (usually pain meds) sent "to go" with patients discharged after the local pharmacies close up shop (8 is the latest any of them stay open).
While I realize that this is done as a great convenience and is in the best interest of the patients, I and some of my co-workers are not entirely comfortable with the idea. For one thing, it could be construed as dispensing meds if a nurse gives the meds out...couldnt a nurse be cited for practice violation???
I guess my question to you all is, surely there are some of you out there who practice in a similar area where there is no 24-hr. pharmacy available. How does your institution handle it?