Nursing education program: fundamental to successful drug distribution

This paper provides a step-by-step, illustrative example of an inservice program which aided in the successful conversion of a chronic care facility from a routine floor stock drug distribution system to a non-traditional unit dose system. The program remains operational as a part of the orientation program for new nurses. The program is composed of a policy and procedure manual handout, a lecture on the mechanics of the system, a videotape module, a demonstration, practice session, return demonstration, and post-test. One aspect of the system is the utilization of a demonstration cassette and Kardex. This teaching tool enables the lecturer to demonstrate the system, the nurses to practice with the system, and the nursing supervisor to evaluate performance before actual administration of medications. A unique aspect of the program is a videotape module, which had added flexibility to instruction times. The program is beneficial to the entire nursing staff when converting to the unit dose system, and to the newly hired nurse prior to assignment. Because of the success of this videotape module, the use of videotaping has been expanded to other pharmacy education programs.