The following guidelines are recommended to promote safety in medication administration.:

• Supervisors and students must be fully aware of agency policies regarding medication administration.

• Clinical supervisors will determine the number of students that they can safely supervise for medication administration.

• They will also ensure an appropriate environment to administer medications safely.

• This includes allowing sufficient time for the designated students to review and research the medications prior to administration.

• Students must successfully pass their medication math test to give medication.

• Students will not administer medications in PNC 220.

Recommended Guidelines for Students Administering Medications:

• Students are directly supervised and supported by the clinical supervisor during all phases of medication administration. (Preparation to administration).

• Supervisor and student will review patient’s Medication Administration Record and prescriber’s orders prior to medication administration.

• The student must demonstrate knowledge of the patient’s medication(s), and the nursing considerations before, during and after medication administration including relevant vital signs and physical assessment.

• The student will evaluate required patient information, such as pertinent lab results, and any diagnostic tests that may affect medication administration.

• Supervisor and student discuss medications to be given/not given with the staff nurse. This includes the ongoing communication between the student and the staff nurse.

• Supervisor and student complete independent double checks on high alert medications with staff nurse and as per agency policies. (heparin/insulin/narcotics).

• The student will obtain consent from the client.

• The student will demonstrate infection control practices during medication administration.

• The student will assess the patient's response to the medications; report and document any abnormal observations.

• The student will document the medication administration and any health teaching completed

• The student WILL have followed all requirements for medication administration as outlined by the CNO Practice Standard: Medication.

Additional Information

• Students are not to take responsibility for narcotic keys, PCA pumps, Femoral Blocks, PICC lines, central venous lines or TPN.

• Students are not to perform any procedure that requires advanced training that is not covered in the curriculum and/or requires training of nursing staff, such as IV Bolus and Chemotherapeutic agents etc.

• Students are not to sign for blood products; however, they can assist with the administration and monitoring of the patient during the transfusion.

• In the event of a medication error, immediate notification is required and agency policies and procedures must be followed. Required Hospital/College documentation must be completed. This includes informing the Program Coordinator.