RUSHED NARC COUNT

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, new grad here. The ltc (long term care) facility where I am employed as a RN, I feel rushed during the narcotic count. I thought when counting you say the name of the resident, the name of the drug (medication), and how much is remaining. I already had two nurses yell at me about doing this. They want me to only say the number of medication remaining.

Always take your time with narc counts. This is a huge priority. And to those nurses who yell at you...that is thier problem. Stop and tell them this is your right!

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Specializes in ER/ MEDICAL ICU / CCU/OB-GYN /CORRECTION.

"I already had two nurses yell at me about doing this. They want me to only say the number of medication remaining"

I DO NOT CARE WHAT THEY WANT - KNOW THE PROCEDURE & THE POLICY IT WILL NEVER SERVE YOU WRONG.

HOWEVER - NEVER TOLERATE A COWORKER YELLING AT YOU.

I am assuming that your post this "yelling" was a true raising of the other nurses voice and directed toward you in a disrespectful manner and not just a side comment of their preference. Frankly it would be a cold day in hell when a co- worker yelled at me over a non life threatening procedure they perceived me as doing wrong.

Here are two solutions - one I have used personally the other I have seen a colleague use-both very effective.

1)Immediately state clear and firmly "I refuse to continue this count". Stop all conversation with the coworker that yelled at you. Then go directly to the phone and call the house supervisor right then and there and started to write up an incident report.

The other option is what I personally have done - and it worked very very well.

2) I was yelled at over a coworkers perception of what had occurred on a previous night shift where I was charge.

I clearly and directly looked at the offender and firmly stated "Let me make this clear to you. You will not ever raise your voice to me again. At this time I am going home as I am ill". I walked to the phone and contacted the house supervisor and reported off duty stating I was too ill to work.

(Note -Do not allow yourself to be talked into staying.)

If you respond with direct consequential behavior in proportion to such lateral violence I promise you that that person will NEVER yell at you again.

Either they will be gulping trying to explain policy and procedure to a supervisor and why they raised their voice to a coworker or overwhelmed that they have to work the next eight or wait for coverage.

For those concerned I have consulted the BON and an attorney -I was told that one can not be charged with abandonment as long you did not accept count/report. Abandonment charges can not be filed if you leave due to illness. (This is not intended to be taken as legal advisement. Each professional provider must contact their individual state BON and their own legal counsel)

The institution may not like this. But if given the full scenario and they protest I sure would not want to work for such a place that allows a co-worker to yell or verbally disrespect me. Especially when I was doing what I thought to be correct and in the best interest of patient safety.

"THERE ARE NO VICTIMS ONLY VOLUNTEERS"

Marc

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Specializes in LTC.

Our new DON is really strict about narcotics and I can't say I disagree.

This is your license, take your time counting and verifying that the amount stated is the amount there. Because if its not.. its your butt that's getting burned.

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Great posts. I agree!!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

It depends on whats going on around us during the count. If there are alot of residents & family hanging around the Nurses Station then we do the drug name & number, but, the book is angled so we can see the name of the patient. If the area is clear then we say name, drug and number, still with the book in view so we can double check the name and number. Our halls are smallish and we don't have a place to push the cart away from the masses. It's our way of ensuring that HIPPA isn't violated no one needs to know what drugs other patients take.

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Yes, each resident name is listed on the medication (bingo card). At my facility we must have a doctor's order for a narcotic and a written consent from the resident.

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Specializes in LTC.
Yes, each resident name is listed on the medication (bingo card). At my facility we must have a doctor's order for a narcotic and a written consent from the resident.

Lol I never thought of the blister packs that way. They do resemble bingo cards. Next time the card finishes and we have to hand the paper in to the supervisor I'll go running in to the office.. BINGO! I GOT BINGO! lol

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