really need help with MARS and TARS

[pn5437]

Hi I was recently hired at an ALF which requires for me to do alot of monthly MARS/TARS checks...the problem is I have never done it and have no clue how to. The last facility I worked at had specific nurses come in monthly to do those and i never learned. Can someone explain to me the process?? I would be beyond grateful!!!

[VANurse2010]

You need to get training and follow your facility's policy and procedure. However, generally speaking what you're doing is making sure that the new monthly MAR matches the previous monthly MAR and all (new/changed) orders are transcribed correctly to the new MAR. You'll also check to make sure the physician order statement accurately reflects the current orders.

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

Someone needs to show you the first time! But as VANurse said You get the new MARS, and the old charts. You transcribe any new orders (new this month) onto the new MAR. We have to do three checks, two nurses doing it together makes two checks or if you have to do it alone, then another nurse does the same thing again; checks the chart and doctors orders for the month you are in (say October) and transcribes them into the new MAR. And You look to see if there are any meds or treatments that have been discontinued and dc them on the new (lets say Novembers) MARS too. We cross them out with yellow highlighter and red pen to be sure they are clearly dc'd.

Then the third check is MAR to MAR on the last night shift of the month. They (the night nurse) remove the old MARS, re-check and put the new MARS into the binders. And can you believe there are still mistakes on Nov. 1st?!! The night nurse is also supposed to block off any meds that are given weekly, or monthly like IM B12's etc. Or patches that get changed, that sort of thing.

Your facility really needs to train you, it's not something to go into uninitiated! Best of luck, hope gthis helps and didn't totally confound you! :)