Scope of Practice Question

[kjones1982]

I have worked in a LTC facility as an RN for the last 14 years.  This LTC facility is a big company that owns many other places such as respite care centers and group homes.  I was asked this past Friday by the DON of my facility to give a Humira shot to a patient that lived at the respite care center.  She said the patients mother had forgotten to give it to her prior to dropping her off at respite care.  The DON stated the staff from the respite care center would be bringing the patient to my facility for me to administer the Humira shot.  I told the DON that I don't feel comfortable doing this because I know nothing about the patients medical history etc.  She stated that I was covered and able to do this because we are owned by the same company.   Is she right?

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, NRSKarenRN said:

Persons reside in a RESPITE CARE CENTER when family on vacation, need a break, attending an event, etc.  Therefore, no family available to given Humara injection.

Facility is treated like an extension of patients home --no physicians orders needed, no skilled care provided ( home health agency often contacted for patients needing wound/skin care, post op care, medication instruction/administration etc.).   Staffing is usually personal care assistants as caregivers with a Resident Care Manager (often not a nurse) managing center. 

Thus, one time/monthly injection should be given by DON of affiliated SNF owned by same corporation if home care not requested --many HH agency's will not admit patient for a 1time injection.  Its totally OK for an RN to administer an injection based on RX attached/pharmacy instruction.

I understand and have worked for facilities that owned Respite care centers.  They are too cheap to hire a nurse to cover Respite, but have no issue trying to involve the other facilities nurses when the need arises.  I again would need a script, etc to provide nursing care for the patient.  The lack of nursing staff at the Respite center doesn't trump my need to perform professional duties with records, RX, etc.

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

I even worked at one facility where I was the only night nurse in the entire building, but was expected to be responsible for Respite patients that were in other buildings down the road.  I was unable to leave my facility being that I was the only nurse present, but was expected to be responsible for patients I couldn't even see to assess and without having their records. I quickly found other employment.

[2BS Nurse, BSN]

I concur that the DON needs to give the injection. She is still a nurse, correct??