CHS Pharmacy News
August 2020
Business Hours
Normal business hours are:
9 AM – 5:30 PM M-F
9 AM – 3 PM Saturday
Closed on Sunday
*Emergency services available 24/7/365
Make an Effective Vaccine Recommendation during National Immunization Awareness Month*
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the efforts of healthcare professionals to protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination.
During NIAM, you are challenged to ensure your patients are up to date on recommended vaccines. Research has consistently shown that healthcare professionals are the most trusted source of vaccine information for parents and patients.
Use NIAM as an opportunity to access CDC educational resources like the #HowIRecommend Video Series, which offers simple and practical guidance for having successful vaccine conversations with patients. These short videos demonstrate how to make effective vaccine recommendations, address common vaccine questions, and take a team-based approach to vaccination.
Returnable Medications
Certain forms of medication cannot be returned to the pharmacy for credit since they can only be used for one person once opened. These could include inhalers, eye drops, creams, ointments, liquids, insulins or controlled medications. Consider having the physician sign an order allowing the resident to take these medications with them upon discharge from the facility, providing the order is still active and appropriate.
Medication Administration Self Quiz
Can you answer these questions regarding the following medication order?
Digoxin 0.25 mg tab 1 po qam and hold for pulse less than 60
Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives**
Handwashing helps prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illnesses. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick.
Reordering – Stock & Control Meds
It is encouraged to reorder stock supplies and controlled medications Monday through Thursday from the pharmacy to reduce the likelihood of the facility running extremely low on an item during the weekend.
- Digoxin should be dosed in the morning per this order
- A pulse must be checked and documented before administration of the Digoxin
- Digoxin should be dosed one time a day in the morning
- If the pulse is less than 60, the dose should be held
“Leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well.”