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Good preparation leads to safe drug interactions

Stressed Out Nurses Weekly, March 12, 2007

Just like actors in a movie cannot be too prepared to deliver an award-winning performance, you can never be too prepared to administer drugs. Take a moment to compile an inventory regarding how to prepare to administer drugs wisely, safely, and through evidence-based research. Think about the following:

• What would you do first?
• How would you prioritize your actions?
• When obstacles occur, how would you demonstrate prudent critical thinking?
• Are you the type of person who is tempted to cut corners to save time/energy?
• Will cutting corners make your drug administration as safe or less safe?

Developing good habits when it comes to delivering care to clients, including drug administration, is the key to being prepared. Here are some crucial factors that will assist you in being prepared:

• Time management. Generally, the time for medication administration lends to some flexibility, within reason. Most agencies allow for administration of drugs from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after upon every hour. For instance, if a medication is scheduled for 0800, you could administer medications from 0730-0830. The exception to this is for drugs such as chemotherapy, which have to be given exactly on time, or you run the risk of interrupting the chemotherapy protocol. Also, administering IV medications first affords the opportunity to administer other medications or care activities while the infusion is running.

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