Why nurses check order first?

There are multiple reasons why nurses check orders first:

1. Patient Safety: Checking orders is a crucial step in ensuring patient safety. Nurses verify that the orders prescribed by the healthcare provider are accurate, complete, and appropriate for the patient's condition. This includes checking for potential drug interactions, allergies, dosing errors, and any other issues that could compromise patient safety.

2. Medication Reconciliation: Nurses play a critical role in medication reconciliation, which involves obtaining a complete and accurate list of the patient's current medications, comparing it with new orders, and identifying any discrepancies or potential issues. By checking orders first, nurses can identify and address any medication-related discrepancies early on, reducing the risk of medication errors.

3. Patient Advocacy: Nurses act as patient advocates, ensuring that the patient's needs, preferences, and values are respected and considered in their care. By checking orders, nurses can identify any orders that may not align with the patient's wishes or that may be potentially harmful or uncomfortable for them. This enables nurses to communicate any concerns or questions to the healthcare provider and seek clarification or alternative options.

4. Timeliness and Efficiency: Checking orders promptly allows nurses to initiate appropriate interventions and treatments in a timely manner. This ensures that patients receive the care they need without unnecessary delays. By identifying any issues with orders early, nurses can also prevent the need for last-minute changes or adjustments, which can disrupt patient care and workflow.

5. Communication and Collaboration: Checking orders fosters effective communication and collaboration between nurses, healthcare providers, pharmacists, and other members of the healthcare team. By verifying orders and ensuring their accuracy, nurses contribute to a shared understanding of the patient's care plan and minimize the potential for miscommunication or errors.

Overall, checking orders first is an essential nursing practice that contributes to patient safety, medication reconciliation, patient advocacy, timeliness of care, and effective collaboration within the healthcare team.