Tools for opening medication packets?

Nurses Stress 101

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Hello, all! I'm new to forum, and very excited to be part of it! I've come across this forum many times (usually googling things), but never thought to join until today. I have a very specific question for you all: Do any of you use any specific tools/items to open medication packets? My mother and I are both nurses, so we have a lot in common, and talk frequently about or jobs :) Recently she's been mentioning that she has been getting quite a lot of hand/wrist pain, mainly when opening medication packages. Both of our facilities dispense medications in individual plastic baggies which must be torn open to release the tablet. Years ago I worked with a nurse who had arthritis who showed me a scissor-thing that she used to open these packets: square, flat, with a small V-shaped blade to open the packets, no moving parts: Think open scissors to cut wrapping paper.

For the life of me I cannot remember this woman's name, so I can't contact her to figure out what this thing was.

Scissors are an okay option, but they're bulky, and dangerous to leave lying around on a med cart for patients to steal. Any ideas out there? I'm very open to suggestions. I'd like to give her something to help with the pain she's been having.

I realize that the pain is a symptom of something larger that should be addressed, but in the meantime I'd like her to be comfortable (or as comfortable as one can be at work).

Thanks in advance! Again, I'm very happy to be a part of this forum. I was (unpleasantly) surprised by the number of threads regarding compassion fatigue and stress. I've been feeling very worn out these days (newish job; adjusting to FT 12 hr shifts, and the switches from day-night constantly), and it's just really nice to not feel so alone :) Doesn't immediately fix the problem, but I'll take what I can get!

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My teeth.

I kid, I kid.

I usually use whatever sharp object I have around.

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Specializes in School Nursing, Hospice,Med-Surg.

Maybe a small letter opener type-thingie?

letter opener.jpg
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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

Open It Package Opener - BedBathandBeyond.com

They do make others, I have one that is a little different, I also have a set of Cutco knives, the scissors can cut a penny.

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

Hi, oatmeal, & welcome!

i don't know anything to help with the med packets but I can definitely relate to the arthritis in hands. I've got RA that is affecting my hands now. A few months ago I discovered (by accident) a great way to get some occupational therapy for my hands. My grandson loves Legos & we build with them frequently. Manipulating the tiny pieces repeatedly has made my fingers less stiff & less achy. It was hard to do at first but gets easier with time. It helps so much that I "work" with the Legos even when he's not here.

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Specializes in OR/PACU/med surg/LTC.

What about a milk big cutter? No moving part and safe for the pts if they grab it.

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Hi, oatmeal, & welcome!

i don't know anything to help with the med packets but I can definitely relate to the arthritis in hands. I've got RA that is affecting my hands now. A few months ago I discovered (by accident) a great way to get some occupational therapy for my hands. My grandson loves Legos & we build with them frequently. Manipulating the tiny pieces repeatedly has made my fingers less stiff & less achy. It was hard to do at first but gets easier with time. It helps so much that I "work" with the Legos even when he's not here.

That is such a good idea! We don't have any smallish children in our family, so the lego might be out of place, but manipulating small objects is a great idea! I wonder if knitting would be good? I'll think about that next time I sit down to do some knitting. Thank you!

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Oh my goodness, we haven't had milk bags where we live for years! That's a great idea. I just googled it, and a store down the street sells them, so I'll be checking it out tomorrow :) So simple, but I just couldn't figure out how to describe what I had imagined in my mind! Thank you!

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Yes! I think this is exactly what the nurse I'm thinking of had. It's been a while, so I must have imagined the square shape up. That's perfect! This and the milk bag opener should be easy to find. I'm going to grab one of each tomorrow to see if she likes one more than the other ? You guys are awesome!

NanaPoo said:
Maybe a small letter opener type-thingie?
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Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

I use my bandage scissors. Blunt-ended and can be cleaned between patients with an alcohol swab. Barring that, a safety scalpel.

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Specializes in critical care.

We use bubble packs for our meds.

I pulverize those horrible things with a sledgehammer, then run them over with my truck, back and forth 4 at least times. I then go to the omnicell and waste it with the note "contaminated".

I then curse at the machine, screaming, "EFF YOU AND THE BULL ESS HORSE YOU RODE IN ON. AND YOUR LITTLE EFFIN DOG, TOO. How DARE you think you can punk me like that?! I OWN YOU, B!!!!!!" (Obviously, I use the profanity.)

And then I quietly pull another bubble pack and start over again.

And we all live happily ever after. But with the fear of my wrath.

Feel my hate, b's.

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Specializes in critical care.
Yes! I think this is exactly what the nurse I'm thinking of had. It's been a while, so I must have imagined the square shape up. That's perfect! This and the milk bag opener should be easy to find. I'm going to grab one of each tomorrow to see if she likes one more than the other :) You guys are awesome!

The openers like that one pictured do come in square shapes. Your recollection is probably accurate.

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