NMC Standards for Medicines POLL RESULTS
This survey was a quick poll survey which ran on the BACCN web site from 25th March to 17th June 2010. In total 114 people responded
The 4 questions asked were as follows:
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4
If yes please describe how it affected your practice
There were 18 comments made regarding how the practices had altered. Some of these comments include:
- Connect 2 syringes of same drug so there is always a spare one when one runs out. Much safer to avoid mistakes
- Not drawing up medication (infusions) prior to it needing to be changed.
- Preparing inotropes half hour advance, double pumping practice, shift to shift check between the two nurses
- Used to pre-prepare IV medication, or put up IV medication pre-prepared by another-now I don't. Can result in a patient having delays in medication.
- I think that generally we no longer draw drugs and leave them lying around for ages often for someone else to attach! Just needs a bit more planning?
- Infusions checked and made by two nurses must only be commenced by either one of those nurses.
- It has meant that we need to check all the drugs with ongoing nurses and replace them. It is hugely inconvenient.
- Elongates the process especially if you have multiple injections /infusions to give.
- Some medication can be made up and stored in the fridge for multiple doses.
- Refusing to make up any syringes for other areas of critical care, such as inotropes for resus, in an emergency situation.
- Have pre prepared infusions of inotropes
Since this poll was done there has been work going on between the CC3N (Critical Care Network National Nurse lead) Group and the NMC. I am a member of the CC3N group and there has now been a Clarification Statement released in October 2010 and six recommendations have been made. A copy of this is available on the BACCN website
If you need any further information please do not hesitate to ask
Catherine Plowright
Professional Advisor
