The resident certainly has the Right to self administer meds if they want to. HOWEVER, the INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM should determine if the resident DOES or DOES NOT have the ability to do it responsibly. The resident will need to be assesed by the team to determine (1*) if there are any dxs which may interfere with their ability to self administer meds (Dementia, Depressiion, Psych dxs, etc...), (2)* if they are cognitively able, and (3)* if they are physically able. if it is determined (by the team, not by the med nurse) that the resident is able to self administer his/ her own meds then you'll need to abtain an MD order (must be specific.... all meds or just certain ones)AND periodically review the assessment to ensure that the resident remains able to so do. *****HOWEVER, BE CAUTIOUS..... I once haad a very cute & sweet little lady who wanted to do her own inhalers. Her order was for "2" puffs. during our survey the nurse handed her her inhalers and she promptly gave herself "4" puffs. When the nurse asked her how many puffs she was suppossed to have she correctly answered "TWO." Needless to say we recieved a deficency !!!!!
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Wiedemann, Betty R Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 11:42 AM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject: Rt. self administration of meds Our staff is challenged with rt. that will say." Oh, just leave it I'll take it" We've all been there and tactfully respond we are not allowed to do that. So our ingenious staff felt that if they were to have the Dr write an order that the rt. could give if we prepare that that would be OK. I say Oh No. I am from the old school. the very old school that says you prepare you give. . Input please. /---------------------------------------------------------- The Case Mix Discussion Group is a free service of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators "Committed to the Assessment Professional" Be sure to visit the AANAC website. Accurate answers to your questions posted to NAC News and FAQs. For more info visit us at http://www.aanac.org -----------------------------------------------------------/ /---------------------------------------------------------- The Case Mix Discussion Group is a free service of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators "Committed to the Assessment Professional" Be sure to visit the AANAC website. Accurate answers to your questions posted to NAC News and FAQs. For more info visit us at http://www.aanac.org -----------------------------------------------------------/
