wasting narcotics in pacu

[kkep72]

We have recently implemented a new policy for wasting narcotics in the pacu following a discrepancy between 2 nurses during lunch break. One went to lunch and left some Demerol for the other nurse to keep using while she was gone to medicate the patient, but they disagreed upon her return how much should be left. We now have to waste any unused narc at shift change and at lunch breaks, so that each nurse has to be responsible for her own narcotics. How is this being handled at other hospitals---do you reconcile your narcotics at shift change/breaks, or do you allow nurses to use each others' dispensed narcotics?

[mamamerlee, LPN]

I wouldn't trust anyone with my 'leftover' narcs. Where was the sign-out sheet?

And the medex? Wouldn't they give you an idea of what was used? Signed out a 10 mg vial, 2 mgs given at 1 pm. 2mgs at 2 pm. Etc. ?!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Had an incident where I pulled Versed out of the pixis, but the anesthesiologist gave it while I was witnessing the consent. Because I didn't document it (I didn't give it- they should document), it came back as a discrepancy on me. So basically, if you pull it, you should be the only one to give it.

[meandragonbrett]

I don't share controlled substances

[PAERRN20]

I would never hand anyone unused narcotics that I signed out. Too much liability!

[MERRYWIDOW46]

I take a narc out of the pyxis and it goes in my pocket until I draw it up and give it. I don't take out narcs for others to use. I pull it I give it. We are required to waste as we go, one dose per vial pulled. I NEVER leave narcs laying around. YOU are responsible for accounting for what you pull.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

We go through narcs like there is no tomorrow, so we don't have time to "wait". If it needs to be wasted, it is at each patient's discharge or transfer.

We have 70-90 cases daily, so there is a LOT of wasting and witnessing.