Studying meds of patients

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I just got hired on with a company as a new grad LPN and I was wondering if I was able to write down, just the names, of the medications the patients are on, so that I may be able to study them at home, i.e. side effects, toxicity levels, contraindications, etc.. I want to be on top of my nursing skills, of course I know some meds, but there are just so many. I understand about the HIPAA rules and such, but is there any time to improve your knowledge of the patients you take care of? I hope this doesn't sound ignorant...:specs:

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While I was in nursing school in New York my nursing instructer would give us our patient assignment the day before so that we could write down the meds and make up index cards for that drug. I set them up as follows:

Generic Name: Brand Name:

Normal Dosage: Classification:

Side Effects:

Nursing Guidelines regarding medication:

Normal Dosing schedule:

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Yes, we had to do that too in nursing school. I start a new job on Monday, and I am wondering if we are allowed to write down just the meds, no names of patients or anything like that, just the meds.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Only.
Yes, we had to do that too in nursing school. I start a new job on Monday, and I am wondering if we are allowed to write down just the meds, no names of patients or anything like that, just the meds.

I dont see why not.

However, if you really dont know a med while you are there, they please look it up before you give it.

If you have a PDA with a drug guide on it it would be very useful for you. If not make sure they have a drug guide book there.

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Yes, yes Yes. Do this. It is a great thing for a new nurse to do. You will notice alot of the same drugs being given, so it shouldn't be that hard to do. Always look it up before giving if you are unsure of the drug.

After 10 yrs, I still do. There are new drugs being released all the time....seems like everytime I take off for maternity leave and come back there are 3-4 new ones we are using.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.

medications, purpose, action, side effects and what to assess for before and during treatment. There will be meds that you will know inside and out before your orientation is over, but having the cards handy when a patient asks a question is a good thing to do.

As for HIPPA, if they are patients assigned to you, you can look in their chart or the MAR. As long as you write down the name of the med and not the person who gets it, I think you are in the clear from that standpoint.

I also highly recommend a good drug book - we have a few PDRs floating around the nurses' station - some IV specific and Chemo specific ones as well. Since I work heme/onc, I am constantly looking up cardiac meds because while they are not rare on the floor, I'd prefer to know if I was giving a Beta blocker or an ACE inhibitor before I hand the patient the pill cup!

Blee

I just got hired on with a company as a new grad LPN and I was wondering if I was able to write down, just the names, of the medications the patients are on, so that I may be able to study them at home, i.e. side effects, toxicity levels, contraindications, etc.. I want to be on top of my nursing skills, of course I know some meds, but there are just so many. I understand about the HIPAA rules and such, but is there any time to improve your knowledge of the patients you take care of? I hope this doesn't sound ignorant...:specs:
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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

Heck yes...I just wouldn't put down names of patients!

Learn the meds through experience and like others have suggested..index cards. As soon as you get a handle on the many typical ones, start looking at connections between meds (such as the lasix/digoxin/potassium deal! That one is common..has to do with digoxin toxicity and the fact that lasix spares potassium and can cause trouble with digoxin...there are signs and symptoms to know...).

It is a TON of info so don't stress it too much...I guess that is why docs now a days have those little hand helds...LOL! When in doubt I ask other nurses or call pharmacy!

I honestly can say I think I learn a new drug each week at least! I first get a handle on the drug itself, then go on to what other meds don't combine with it...an evergoing process of learning...but then again...I love learning daily!

BTW...I started a medication journal in school, and I still keep that up now! (I am 6 years post grad). I advise alphabetically...LOL!

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Thats about the only way you are going to learn the meds about you patients. Its a good way to get envolved

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