Signing out meds you do NOT administer yourself?

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i work in a facility where the nurses (myself and 3 others) only work from 07-2000 seven days a week. we administer meds as directed by the provider(s). we also handle narcotics.

i was taught that you do not sign out for meds that you did not administer yourself. as a courtesy, we pre-set the morning meds for the on coming nurse (who may or may not be yourself returning the next day). this practice was started here many years ago and generally works.

i had major issues with giving meds i did not set up myself, but i take the responsibility to know the meds and check them against cards that sit with each cup (with the name of the client, med, dose etc.). yes, i have caught errors many times! not the perfect system......:eek:

here's my question. when i set up the meds for another nurse to give, should i sign out their meds? especially the narcotics! :confused:

yes, our state bon is aware of our backwards system.......;)

thanks!!!!

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I guess I would check with the BON because if they are aware of the system, they should give direction.

My answer would be no. You should only sign if you give the med and the patient takes it.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

what a system....to answer your question....i would not give meds that i did not pull myself....i have to verify the med with the mar when i pull it and if i can not do that you open yourself up for error....if there is some error in the meds that are pulled up and a patient is effected.....the nurse that gives those meds are in trouble....such a bad set up....

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Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.

I would have to say that this is not good practice. We were taught not to do this in school, and this is also p/p in our facility.

The only drugs I give that I don't personally draw up are the ones used in a code. We use "code sheets," an excell spreadsheet with all drugs calculated on weight base (Peds), which gives the dose and the volume to draw up. It was developed with a PharmD, one of our intensivists and 2 RNs on this committee years ago.

Personally, I like to draw all meds I'm giving myself.

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This whole process seems to defeat the purpose of the 5 rights and the 3 checks and should be re-evaluated.

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Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

I see huge potential liability issues with passing meds poured by someone else. I wouldn't do it.

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:) i know...i have struggled with this backwards system but i am the only one that sees the potential for errors and law suits etc.

bottom line..."yes" or "no"......would you ever sign for a med that you did not administer yourself? :rolleyes:

thank you everyone for your replies! :yeah:

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

no!

no!

no!

no!

no!

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:yeah:Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

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Specializes in Mental Health and Pediatrics.

I vote no too! What do you think would happen if you said no? Would they fire you? And if they did..do you want a job that asks you to put your license and their facility license on the line like that?

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No. I would not personally sign for a med I did not give myself. Too much at stake.

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"As a courtesy, we pre-set the morning meds for the on coming nurse..."

I have never heard of such a system...

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