This is EXACTLY why I don't like taking Verbal orders

[OnlybyHisgraceRN]

I notify the doc of a pt. with increasingly high B/P. I bring the chart to the doc to write the order. He tells me to take a verbal. He tells me the order and I have a very hard time understanding due to his accent and he had to repeat it twice. I read back the order and he confirmed. The order still didn't sit right with me so I go to him a third time to clarify, and finally received the correct order. I then explained to the doc that VO should not be taken as they lead to medication errors, he just laughed.

If I didn't clarify this order, a huge error would have been made. This doc is known for forcing nurses to take VOs. This leads to errors. It took a long time before pharmacy could correct the order in the system because I stupidly faxed the first order taken.

Why didn't I go with my first instinct?. Unless it is an emergency I will never take a verbal order again. It does not make sense when I'm literally handing you the chart to write the order.

OAN: I need to work on my quick come backs when these situations occur. Any suggestions?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Only acceptable times for verbal order according to my facility is in an emergency and from a surgeon who is scrubbed. (Although I've always wondered what the response would be to "I know you have a patient's chest open and are in the middle of a bypass, but can you come write that order for fluids?")

I would look up your facility's policy, and if there isn't one, sounds like this is the perfect time for you and your coworkers to start presenting evidence why such a policy should exist. Patient safety should come first.

[kindaquazie]

I work in a LTC facility. The doctor comes about every 1-2 weeks. Most orders are taken verbally here. It's hard to understand the dr on his cell phone. I hate taking VO. I wish he was required to fax them to us!

Per the Joint Commission, what you are describing are telephone orders, which are different from verbal orders (although both are spoken). Verbal orders are those given while the provider is in your presence and should only be used in an emergency or when the provider's hands are otherwise occupied caring for the patient.