Scottish Management of Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan 2014-18 (ScotMARAP2)

Action Plan: Registered nurses' responsibilities

Patient safety and quality of care is the personal responsibility of each registered nurse. In the context of ScotMARAP 2 all registered nurses must ensure they have adequate knowledge of management of infection and appropriate antimicrobial use.

Key objectives for registered nurses are:

• Support the multi-professional team to ensure that all use of antimicrobials is rational, appropriate and follows local policy. (Area 2)
• Understand and support appropriate taking of microbiological samples for patients with infection. (Area 2)
• Ensure timely administration of antimicrobials by supporting the sepsis programme and bundle and follow up of missed doses. (Area 2)
• Monitor duration and route of antimicrobial treatment including instigating prompt de-escalation from intravenous to oral therapy as part of care bundles for venous access devices. (Area 2)
• Monitor for drug allergies and side effects. (Area 2)
• Support appropriate therapeutic drug monitoring of antimicrobials following local policy. (Area 2)
• Engage with opportunities for education and training on antimicrobials and management of infection. (Area 3)
• Support patients and carer's understanding of antibiotic use. (Area 3)