I work in a SNF with many post acute rehab patients, so we have a lot of new admits, with the majority arriving on PM shift. We do not have a pharmacy or ADU onsite, so meds for new admits are not delivered until after midnight, on NOC shift. We have an Ekit, but it only contains antibiotics and narcs.
During a meeting we were told to "Hold" the meds that weren't available and document
" waiting on pharmacy for delivery" and endorse the administration to NOC shift. The major hospital we contract with didn't want to change the orders to administer when available, basically saying it was our problem.
Well many of the nurses "borrow" the first dose from other patients. I feel uncomfortable doing this especially since we have a clear written policy against it, so I always hold the meds. I was orienting a new grad and taught the new admit medication procedure to her. When she was on her own, she got a verbal warning for not administering a medication we didn't have. I feel personally responsible and not sure if I should speak up or let it go.
