Drug Administration (with the exception of all types of intravenous routes which
requires separate assessment) Assessment of Competence for Registered Nurses (RN)
Name: (Please Print) ………………………………..................................Job Title: …………………………………..
Aim: The Registered nurse will be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and practice related
to the administration of medicines.
Assessment: Assessment of competence will be undertaken by senior nursing staff (practice educator/ward
manager.)
Self-verification: Responsibility for meeting the appropriate professional and Trust standards to maintain &
enhance their practice remains with the individual. A statement of intent confirms this after assessment.
Assessment of Competence:
Administration of (non-intravenous) Medications
1.
Safe &
Not yet
Competent competent
Date & Sign Date & Sign
Demonstrates knowledge of Trust Drug Policy, Guidelines for Practice,
legal aspects and professional accountability
2.
Always checks the allergy status of the patient and asks patient to
confirm
3.
Ensures that Drug Allergy box has been completed before administering
drugs to patient and any allergies have been identified on patients’
wristband.
4.
Always interprets prescription correctly:-Is aware that if prescription is
unclear, the prescription should be re-written and takes steps to ensure
this is undertaken.
6.
Verifies drug with name of prescribed medicine, and checks the
medicines expiry date
7.
Always calculates the correct dosage as required from prescription
8.
Accurately and consistently identifies the route, frequency & timing of
medication.
9.
Can discuss the therapeutic use of the prescribed drugs: e.g.
precautions, contra-indications and side effects.
10. Is able to communicate information regarding medications with patient in
an appropriate manner.
11. Obtains patient consent to take medications or records and reports to
relevant clinical staff any reasons given by patient for refusal of
medications.
12. Always takes the medicine to the patient with the prescription chart:
13. Consistently checks that (a) identity of patient name, date of birth and
NHS number corresponds with identity band, and (b) verbally checks
name & birth date details with patient and (c) matches this information
against prescription chart. All three elements checked consistently.
RBH Surgical Practical Educators: March 2011-version 2
© Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust
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14. Always witnesses the patient taking the oral medications before
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recording time of administration and signature.
If administration time deviates from prescription timings, RN consistently
records this (as per trust policy).
Always documents relevant information clearly, accurately and
immediately.
Always records and reports the reasons for non-administration e.g.
patient absent, nurses decision or patient refused in patient record (n.b
non-availability of drug not accepted by pharmacy as reason for failure
to administer.)
Can discuss the action to be taken if a drug reaction occurs
19. Is aware of procedure to be undertaken to ensure medicines are
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available:
In Pharmacy opening hours- e.g. ordering stock and non-stock drugs
Outside pharmacy ‘opening hours’- medicines locator, emergency drug
cupboard and on-call pharmacist via clinical site manager
Can identify sources of information on drug therapy.
Can identify which drugs require a second nurse or doctor to check
Can discuss appropriate use of correct type of syringes when
administering liquid medicines via oral/ enteral routes.
Demonstrates appropriate storage of drugs.
Demonstrates appropriate ordering and checking of Controlled Drugs.
Can discuss use and storage of patient’s own medications.
Can discuss self administration of drugs.
Can discuss ordering TTOs and can discuss appropriate use of prepacked TTO’s and discusses with patient (and/or relative) use and
relevant information regarding discharge medicines e.g. use and
cautions.
Can discuss warfarin therapy: - dosage in hospital
- dosage at home: cautions on variable dosage packaging
- follow up
- information for patients
Correctly identifies which drugs should be given prior to surgery or
specific procedures, and which should be omitted.
Can discuss procedure to be followed if drug error occurs.
I have assessed the above member of staff to ensure appropriate professional standards and
competence has been reached with regard to drug administration (non-intravenous routes).
Practice Educator/Ward Manager: Name:………….………………………….
Signed:………………………………………….. Date:…..…………
I agree with the above statement. I am aware that intravenous drugs require a different
assessment. I am aware that I have a professional responsibility to practice to the appropriate
level & keep myself up to date with the safe administration of medications.
Qualified Nurse: Name:……………………………………………
Signed:……………………………………………. Date:…..…………
RBH Surgical Practical Educators: March 2011-version 2
© Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust
2