What is required for a nurse to access the night cabinet?

Access to the night cabinet by a nurse is governed by strict regulations to ensure patient safety and proper medication handling. The requirement for proper training and written designation ensures that only qualified and authorized personnel can manage medications stored in the night cabinet. This training equips nurses with the necessary knowledge about medication administration, potential hazards, and proper handling procedures, while the written designation serves as formal approval from the healthcare facility, establishing accountability and traceability.

Having just verbal approval from a doctor may lead to misunderstandings or lack adequate records, which are critical in medical settings. Simply being on the night shift alone does not qualify a nurse for access, as the nurse must also have undergone the appropriate training. Accessing the cabinet only when the pharmacy is closed does not address the need for formal authorization and training, which are essential to ensure safety and compliance with legal and institutional policies. Therefore, the combination of training and designation is the key requirement for accessing the night cabinet responsibly.