Update 3/25/22
Greetings Team….lots of information below, please absorb ! Thanks
1) Marisela turned 30 on Saturday 3/26! Happy Birthday!
2) As an FYI, UHS has 1600 items on backorder, supplies are limited in some areas or take longer than expected to get in
3) This red box is for sterile reprocessing, I believe the only item left at each location that isn’t disposable is the precipitous delivery tray and we are working on finding those items in disposable form. Lately, I have been finding scissors, ring forceps, tweezers and other disposable items in this bin. The process of sterile reprocessing is highly regulated and a frequent audit finding. Please don’t place any items in this bin other than the used precip tray and let me know if you think there are any other items that need reprocessed that I’m missing. Preceptors…train this to new staff please!
4) Know how to shut off O2 and Air at each location:
The shutoff at GS is in the hall past Exam 1 across from the bathroom by the fire extinguisher…sorry no pic
At TSQ there are two, the one by room 10 is for Exam 1-10 and RME – take extra caution to not park a WOW in front of it as you can see that would be easy to do. The shutoff at TSQ for Exam 11-12 and CT/Xray is in the hall on the way to the break room
5) More to come on this but we will soon send out information about following manufacturer’s instructions and frequency to clean the tono-pen. If you see cans of air in the pyxis that’s what it is for but we will send out more info when available.
6) EKG packages - once they are open, the remaining dots/pads must go in plastic bag and have 30 day exp date. It is not sufficient to fold over the top of the packages. CNs and preceptors please check and teach on this
7) Pain reassessment – recent chart audit show that pain reassessment after meds and at discharge (with VS) is an area of opportunity for us. That should be an easy fix, we will continue to audit. Thanks
8) NW uses O2 tips that are not disposable and remain in place. If you see any of these that have the green plastic tips let me know and I will replace them because the green ones are single use items. HOWEVER, SINCE WE USE THESE PERMANENT ONES, THEY MUST BE WIPED DOWN WITH EVERY PATIENT/ROOM CHANGE…BE ABLE TO SPEAK TO THIS.
9) We all know we should do these two things, but I wanted you to be aware of the actually policy that requires 100% compliance and has progressive disciplinary action for non-compliance. These are for patient safety. Policy PC 093 Red Rules: 1) Use of Two Patient Identifiers and 2. Remaining with patients during toileting whom are at risk for falling (Morse Score of 45 or greater) or anyone requiring assistance for safe ambulating and toileting.
********58% of falls lately in the hospital are related to high risks getting up to toilet******
10) Please be diligent in watching for sepsis patients and never overlook a notice !
11) The lac cart at GS must stay locked since it has needles, lidocaine, flushes etc in it: the code is 1234
12) Doors should not be propped open. This includes supply rooms at both locations starting immediately ! Thanks
13) Ambulance – minimal update…. The ambulance was called Life 30 but is now “NW1” or Northwest 1. It continues to be available 11a – 11p 7days a week, both FEDs should be communicating with each other about utilization of the truck. Process coming
14) New CT coming to TSQ ! Starting 4/10 there should be a mobile CT unit being set up in the East parking lot where the sidewalk leading to the building is. Please do not park there as of 4/9. The CT installation process will start around 4/18 and is expected to take a couple of weeks. IT WILL BE CHALLENGING FOR THE RAD TECHS TO HAVE TO TAKE PATIENTS TO GET CTS IN THE PORTABLE. AS CENSUS ALLOWS, IT WOULD BE IDEAL IF A NURSE OR TECH COULD ASSIST THEM WITH THIS PROCESS
14) Phone Information: Just a reminder to balance wanting to be helpful with caution with what we say. It is appropriate to give someone their options like “we are open 24/7 and will be happy to see you or you can go to your PCP or an urgent care…whatever you think your need is” rather than “that sounds like you need to go to X”. You can say what services we offer…yes we have a lab or no we don’t have an MRI but refrain from speculating what a doctor will and won’t do. I always inform them that although we have these resources available, it will be up to the ED physician on what they want to order.
Thanks for all you do!
Andrea
