Hey Boo Hey,
Let me tell you, when I have to hop on the med cart because of a call-out, honey… HO-NEY. It’s a whole different ball game. Back in the day, when I started my career as an LPN, I was on that cart daily, and baby, I did it WELL.
But now, once I climbed that ladder, it became a rare occurrence—until chaos strikes.
Stepping in to help your team during these moments shows them that you’re a true team player.
It’s a reminder that we never ask our team to do something we wouldn’t do ourselves.
That said, here are my tried-and-true time-saving hacks for medication passes to keep things running smoothly:
1. Prioritize Time-Sensitive Medications
Start with your diabetics and residents who have time-critical meds. Getting those out of the way first ensures safety and compliance.
2. Know Your Residents’ Preferences
Some residents are VERY particular about when they take their medications. Identify those folks early and adjust your pass to meet their needs.
3. Partner with Your CNA
Your CNA is your lifeline. Get the scoop on the assignment from them—who’s in therapy, who’s out of the facility, and any other key details that’ll help you stay organized.
4. Stock the Cart (And Then Stock It Again)
Nothing kills your flow like missing supplies. Make sure you’ve got:
Applesauce, pudding, and fluids for meds
Cups, straws, and vitals equipment
5. Take Vitals Ahead of Time
If you need vitals for meds, knock them out early to avoid interruptions mid-pass.
6. Hit Therapy and Appointment Residents First
Take care of residents heading to therapy or appointments before they leave to avoid missing them.
7. Use a Notebook for Interruptions
Place a notebook on the cart for non-urgent requests. This keeps interruptions to a minimum while ensuring nothing gets forgotten.
8. Audit the Schedule When You Can
Sometimes, med pass inefficiencies are due to poor scheduling. If you notice a resident has meds at 8 AM, 9 AM, and 10 AM, it’s time to ask: Why? Consolidate those times to make the process smoother for both staff and residents. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
And remember this:
It’s always accuracy over speed. LOL, I’ve been “in the red” on time more than once because I’m not on the cart regularly.
That’s why I prioritize time-sensitive meds first, like those for diabetics, and notify the MD if meds are running late to stay compliant.
When you use these hacks, you can balance accuracy and efficiency, making med passes less stressful for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up:
Jumping on the cart can be exhausting, but it’s also an opportunity to lead by example and support your team.
What are your go-to strategies for medication administration? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
Lead with love, 💖
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