The halls have ears. Just a reminder that conversations in public spaces (hallways, nursing stations etc.) can at times be pretty easy to hear even in patient rooms and some people do report concerns about what they hear or think they hear. Please just be mindful of this.
Checking meditation IV fluid compatibility - this week we discovered that over the course of 39 days it was likely that a patient was receiving a medication with a incompatible IV fluid for many of those doses.
A few take highlights for everyone to consider:
- Routinely check compatibility and don't assume the previous dose had been checked if nothing is documented
- If you fine an incompatibility print off a Trissel Compatibility chart and put in in the care plan
- Include on the MAR that the medication is incompatible with the IVF (kudos to those that did in this case!)
- On the fluid balance record instead of documenting "IV med + flush" add what solution was used for the flush i.e. "IV med + NS flush". If it isn't documented is cannot be assumed it was done correctly.
- Remember that meds cannot be run on pump B channel if the A channel IVF is incompatible and the line to the patient hasn't been cleared.
Elearning!!! - we've finally had some good days with lot's of staff and beds to spare. These times are good for completing things like privacy training (see post from July 28 with access details) and mandatory elearning for ed days
Consultation Liaison Psychiatry team is adding a nurse - As of this week Amy Glass is a new Pediatric Consultation Liaison Nurse joining the CLP psychiatrists (Dr Denis, Robson-McKay, and Garrett). They are in the process of defining Amy's role but expect to see her around and start engaging more in the care of those patients that the CLP psychiatrists are following. We're hoping that this role will given us more support for these patients.
5 French Foley catheters have arrived and are stocked
in mini Walmart!
New home for bili meters - hang on the wall in mini Walmart between use. They have been difficult to find sometimes so hopefully this helps. If they don’t turn on try replacing the AA batteries. If the meter is still not working please ask a unit assist to send to clinical engineering. Currently both meters are working!
Courage cart feedback - in an effort to constantly improve procedural pain and anxiety management, please tell Jon or Fiona what tools you use from the courage cart (i.e. Pain Ease), if there is anything that could be added, and most importantly WHY you don't use these tools if they aren't part of your regular practice.
KUDOS
- Shania & unit 2 team for managing a ++ sick patient all night long & for great advocating
- Nadine & unit 4 nurses for handling a difficult situation and a busy patient & taking 2 admissions
- Everyone Aug 15 Nx for being so willing to admit and keep the unit safe on a busy night
- Carolyn for saving us $30k
New JPCH Managers: The JPCH POPD portfolio has divided up and reassigned to several new manager roles.
Alicia Tressel has accepted the position of Manager of the GI, Gen Peds Specialty clinics, Endocrinology, and Infectious Disease programs. Alicia has been in an interim manager position since the fall of 2022.
Rachel Leavitt has accepted the position of Manager of the Cardiology, Respiratory, and Peds Kidney Health programs. Rachel is a Registered Nurse with longstanding NICU experience, taking on leadership opportunities throughout her professional career to-date. She starts in her new role August 14, 2023.
Jessica Smith has accepted the position of Manager of POPD Clinic and Day Medicine, as well as the Gen Peds and Peds Surgery programs. Jessica is a Registered Nurse and comes from the Clinical Standards and Professional Practice portfolio in the Clinical Educator role on RUH 6100. She starts in her new role August 21, 2023.
Noelle Hubbard has accepted the position of Manager of the Genetics, Metabolics, Rheumatology, and Neurology programs. Noelle is a Registered Nurse with a wide range of experience – in frontline and leadership roles in acute, rural, and long-term care environments. She starts in her new role September 5, 2023.
