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Standards take in new prescribing powers and offer practitioners essential double-check advice
New standards on administering medicines have been announced, marking the first update since 1992.
The UKCC has made amendments to accommodate the introduction of prescribing by nurses and health visitors.
The guide, sent to all registered nurses, also includes advice on misuse of drugs, and on side-effects of prescription drugs. It stresses the importance of always following a written protocol.
Recent limited prescription powers apply principally to district nurses, but OH nurses often administer medication under agreement.
OH specialist consultant Cynthia Atwell said that the guidance is particularly important for OH nurses, as they often have to work alone. "If a doctor has written a prescription you do not always take it for granted - sometimes doctors make errors," she said.
"Nurses need to look at it and if it does not sound quite right they must use their professional judgement."
She said the new guidance is essential. "My recommendation is: it should be read and inwardly digested."
The guide also addresses professional conduct. Sue Norman, registrar of the UKCC, said, "The UKCC's professional conduct committee takes great care to distinguish between the practitioner who makes a simple error and admits it immediately, and those who try to cover up a mistake or blame it on others."
Guidelines for the Administration of Medicines, UKCC, 020-7637 7181
