Signing out meds you do NOT administer yourself?

[celticwoman61]

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......

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

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

thanks!!!!

[nursel56]

No. Nope. Ix-nay. Nyet.

[greatshakes]

I was asked why I hadn't put out the medications for the morning nurse too and replied it was illegal to give something you hadn't dispensed yourself. One of the reaspons I don't have a job. Boss didn't like my work practices especially when I stuck up for a boy who was being bullied and documented it she called a meeting to discuss my work practices. I would advocate for that boy again. If that makes me undesirable maybe it's because somethings shouldn't be swept under the carpet

[caliotter3]

Not unless I was being held at gun point.

And even then I would have to give it a second thought or three or four.

[Five&Two Will Do]

I was asked why I hadn't put out the medications for the morning nurse too and replied it was illegal to give something you hadn't dispensed yourself. One of the reaspons I don't have a job. Boss didn't like my work practices especially when I stuck up for a boy who was being bullied and documented it she called a meeting to discuss my work practices. I would advocate for that boy again. If that makes me undesirable maybe it's because somethings shouldn't be swept under the carpet

It sounds like you are talking about pre-dispensing medications for multiple patients. They used to do that in a nursing home that I worked in until we finally adopted a barcode med admin system. I feel like there is too much room for error and giving the wrong med to the wrong patient. I applaud you for advocating for your patient. Many people do not have the guts to stand up to the "machine" You rock in my book!