From the Research
When a nurse writes a verbal prescription for a physician, the physician's name should be signed first, followed by the nurse's signature. This process is crucial in ensuring accountability and reducing medication errors. The nurse should write "verbal order" or "VO" next to the prescription to indicate it was verbally communicated by the physician 1. The nurse should also document the date and time the verbal order was received. Most healthcare facilities require the physician to countersign the verbal order within a specified timeframe, usually 24-48 hours, to validate that the transcribed order matches their intention. This protocol ensures proper accountability, reduces medication errors, and maintains compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for prescription documentation. Some studies have investigated the factors influencing the usage of computerized physician order entry systems by physicians for medication prescribing 2, 3, but these do not directly address the question of whose name should be signed first on a verbal prescription. Other studies have focused on unrelated topics, such as the definition of progression independent of relapse activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis 4 and the impact of vaccination on COVID-19 deaths 5. However, the key point remains that the physician's name should be signed first on a verbal prescription, as this is the standard practice that ensures clarity and accountability in medication prescribing. The importance of proper documentation and verification of verbal orders cannot be overstated, as it is essential for maintaining patient safety and preventing medication errors. Therefore, it is essential to follow the established protocol for documenting verbal prescriptions, which includes signing the physician's name first, followed by the nurse's signature.