Time Compliance for Medication

Lynx25, LPN · Sep 30, 2011

Would you like to clarify anything or.....

RNperdiem, RN · Sep 30, 2011

Yes? I feel like using therapeutic communication to draw out some details.

raineW · Sep 30, 2011

I am a new grad, non working RN, however I can say this...where I precepted they had electronic charting, med recs etc. They printed out the med recs for the day and if orders changed the secretary printed new and gave to the RN assigned to that patient. The RN also checked in the computer as they were switching over to the MED CARTS with the scanners. Anyway they had an hour window, half hour before to half hour after the med was due to give this patient any med on the MAR, PRNs & vitamins included. Worked great!!! My husband just had surgery at another large area hospital and I was appalled at the lack of organization for such a large group. The pain control was horrific, I had to ask for his other meds, and when I questioned them they told me we had to ask to ask for his meds. I just felt this was weird as I was used to the organization of the other facility.

NurseHopefulInOH · Sep 30, 2011

You had to ask for routine meds? weird... a lot of my pts THINK their norco or whatever narcotic will be automatically given to them Q4 when it is PRN. Yeah don't think so lol

raineW · Sep 30, 2011

The whole med system was weird (where my husband had surgery) to me, where I precepted when they passed meds, they also checked on PRN meds. His narcotics were on a PCA pump and he had PRN that he asked for too. I guess the change from the very organized hospital to the seemingly nonchalant was just strange. :)

Orange Tree · Sep 30, 2011

It's important to give medication on time, but it's not always the top priority.

Boog'sCRRN246, RN · Sep 30, 2011

I wish I could be 100% time compliant when I'm passing meds. I work on a Rehab unit and we have been told explicitly we are not to interrupt therapy sessions in order to give meds. It's pretty impossible to come on at 7a, get six patients, and have ALL meds passed before they start therapy at 8 or 8:30. :uhoh21:

Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

:confused:what happened to time compliance when passing medication?

I'm not sure what you are asking. :confused:

Lynx25, LPN · Oct 1, 2011

I wish I could be 100% time compliant when I'm passing meds. I work on a Rehab unit and we have been told explicitly we are not to interrupt therapy sessions in order to give meds. It's pretty impossible to come on at 7a get six patients, and have ALL meds passed before they start therapy at 8 or 8:30. :uhoh21:[/quote']
Rehab drives me nuts. I've taken to chasing them down, med cups in hand. Therapy gets annoyed, but dear Lord, you just stole them for three hours, let me give these meds before I forget.

Dazglue, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

I wish I could be 100% time compliant when I'm passing meds. I work on a Rehab unit and we have been told explicitly we are not to interrupt therapy sessions in order to give meds. It's pretty impossible to come on at 7a get six patients, and have ALL meds passed before they start therapy at 8 or 8:30. :uhoh21:[/quote']
Do we work on the same unit??? lol. At least u have only 6 to chase down, instead of my 8-10.

gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

I work LTC, anywhere fron 25 to 30 pts. We have an 2 hr window, (you have from 3PM until 5PM to pass meds) try getting report from 3 to 3:20 then finding and giving meds to all your patients who are wandering around, gone down to PT, LOA with family (didn't tell staff they were going). You also have to locate your Diabetics and get them before they take off for supper which they start passing out at 4:30. It's enought to make you crazy!!