Everything Nurses >> Venting Zone >> Narcs
Narcs
493 posts back to top |
Posted over 3 years ago I have a vent, and I was wondering what everyones thoughts were on the matter...... Scenario: I work in a LTC facility where we don't have instant access to any but the most common meds. We get a new order from a doc for xanax, on a weekend. So we call the pharmacy, in the next state over and they send the order to the Walgreens down the street. Walgreens then fills the script, and calls the local cab company to deliver it. The cab driver ( who I might add is a rather shady looking individual) delivers a bottle of xanax in a plain white paper sack to the facitliy a few hours later. Now, when the actual pharmacy employee delivers any meds at all during the week it comes in a locked plastic bin. We sign they sign. This screwed up idea of delivery is ok, but when a pt dies or discharges we have to destroy all narcs, instead of send them back like we do all their other meds, in that same locked plastic bin. Because that is the federal law. So long story short, we waste ALOT of money this way. And it boils my blood every time we destroy these meds. The other day We destroyed 90 Vicodin. WHY?!?!?!?! Why cant we credit them back to these people, the way we do all others. Or why cant they be used for countries that cant afford them? Any thoughts on this long ramble? "Softly. deftly, music shall caress you. Feel it, hear it, secretly possess you...." |
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| Posted over 3 years ago The only exception to what you wrote that I can think of is crediting unit dose meds. Once dispensed in containers in bulk, like a script for 30 or something, it is assumed that the possibility of tampering precludes their being returned for any reason. Also positive identification is not considered reliable because of all the pill counterfeiters out there. And they are out there. Every major pharmacy and large hospital has bought and dispensed counterfeits unknowingly at the time. The fakes look so real they even fool the true drug maker's reps. Regardless, to waste good medicines this way is sad but the law in most states. |
