Psychiatric Nursing Medication Administration: Is it just a Med Pass? - Abstract
Medication administration (MA) is a central focus of the medication nurse on inpatient psychiatric units. MA involves direct patient interactions with nearly, if not all patients on the clinical unit. Direct nurse to patient interactions provide an opportunity for the nurse to begin building a therapeutic rapport with patients. Upon initiating this type of rapport, the nurse-patient trust relationship can be cultivated. Cultivation of this type of professional bond can be the catalyst for therapeutic interventions, including patient compliance with MA. Compliance with MA on the inpatient unit, along with applicable education can lead to compliance with prescribed medications after discharge.