What is the primary role of a licensed nurse in medication management?

The primary role of a licensed nurse in medication management is to assess medication regimens and supervise unlicensed staff. This entails evaluating the appropriateness of medications for residents, monitoring for effectiveness and potential side effects, and ensuring that the medication administration process is carried out safely and correctly.

In this capacity, licensed nurses play a crucial role in coordinating care and ensuring that unlicensed staff members, such as medication aides or certified nursing assistants, are properly trained and supported in their responsibilities related to medication administration. This oversight helps to maintain safety and compliance with healthcare regulations.

While dispensing medications is an important part of medication management, it is typically carried out by pharmacy technicians or trained nursing staff under the oversight of licensed nurses. Physical therapy and managing finances related to medication procurement fall outside the scope of a licensed nurse's primary responsibilities in medication management, as these tasks are handled by specialized professionals.