Medicines management

Abstract The administration of medicines, in both hospital and community settings, is a central part of the nursing role. All aspects of medicines management are regulated by international directives and UK law, and healthcare provider organizations all have local policies and procedures to ensure safety. Nursing practice is also bound by the standards for medicines management described by the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Royal College of Nursing. This chapter provides a general overview of key aspects of safe medicines management and outlines the standards which frame this aspect of nursing work.