If you have ever worked a shift in assisted living or a skilled nursing facility, you understand the stress that the job can bring. For a med tech, the pressure is real. You are balancing a limited timeframe along with the need for absolute accuracy, all while navigating a hallway full of distractions.
Being able to finish your cart on time is a skill that takes practice to master, but it should never come at the cost of safety or rushing your residents. This post will explore the best ways to finish your cart with time to spare.
5 Hacks to Finish Your Cart with Ease
Whether you have just started looking at medication technician jobs or have been a med tech for decades, these five hacks will help you master the skill of finishing your cart like a pro.
1. The “Pre-Flight” Cart Check
Success starts before you even leave the med room. Spending just five minutes to check if you have everything that you need will make your shift go much smoother. Is everything organized? Is your water pitcher full? Do you have everyone’s medications? Do you have plenty of applesauce or pudding for those who need it?
Having to return to the kitchen or supply room in the middle of making your rounds makes them seem to take forever. A well-stocked medication technician is an efficient one. By ensuring you have everything you may need, you avoid those small delays that add up, causing a late finish.
2. Organize Your “Brain Sheet”
In nursing and medication administration, your brain is the most valuable tool you possess. Before you head out, scan your MAR (Medication Administration Record) for time-sensitive medications, such as insulins or Parkinson’s medications that must be given to the patient at a specific time.
Highlight residents who have many pills, or those who may require extra time to take their medication. By knowing which residents may take longer or require special care, you can mentally plan out your route to ensure you take care of everyone in an efficient timeframe.
3. Minimize Distractions
Distractions are the leading cause of delays and medication errors. When you are at your cart, it is vital to remain highly concentrated on the task at hand. If a resident requests something non-urgent, such as a fresh towel or a change in the TV channel, jot it down in your notebook and let them know you will be back as soon as the pass is complete. Staying focused on one resident at a time actually makes the pass go faster than attempting to multitask.
4. Master the “Prep While They Swallow” Technique
Efficiency within med pass is all about maintaining a consistent rhythm while you work. While a resident is taking their first sips of water or finishing their first spoonful of applesauce, use that time to quietly prepare the next medication. Don’t rush the resident, but keep your hands busy while they take the time they need. This technique can shave off up to a minute per stop, which adds up to a significant amount of time throughout your pass.
5. Standardize Your Workspace
Every med tech has their own personalized way of organizing their cart, but despite the method, the key is consistency. Keep supplies like alcohol pads, a pill crusher, and a trash bin in the same spot every day. This creates muscle memory, so you don’t have to put too much thought into your quick movements. When you don’t have to take time to think about where your supplies are, you can keep your eyes on your residents, ensuring both speed and safety.
Finding the Right Fit with CynaMed
Becoming a top-tier medication technician requires patience, skill, and the right environment. If you feel like your current facility doesn’t support your workflow, it might be time for a change.
At CynaMed, we specialize in connecting talented professionals with the best med tech jobs in the industry. When you start your next search for medication technician jobs, let us guide you to a position where your skills can truly shine.
