PIPD Update January 9, 2025

 HI everyone,

Vacation:

If you have excess vacation, please ensure you are looking for time to take this back.

SUN employees that will be participating in annual vacation this year, the following correction email was sent:

An email was previously sent with incorrect dates regarding annual vacation. The following is the corrected info for your process. We apologize for any confusion.

The SUN Annual Vacation process for April 2026-March 2027 is opening at 10:00AM on January 5th 
 
 You will have until 11:59 PM on February 1, 2026 to make your annual vacation selections for April 2026-March 2027

For more details on how to make your vacation selections please either:
 Watch this Video on Applying for Annual Vacation
Read this work standard on Applying for Annual Vacation
Read the SUN Annual Vacation FAQ

Note: there will be a fake shift added to allow casuals and employees on leave to apply for annual vacation. This shift will be removed when annual vacation has been processed.

Note: If you are unable to use the website to apply for annual vacation, please email your requests to a manager or staff.scheduling@saskhealthauthority.ca   

Volunteer Services is reaching out regarding a job shadow opportunities in Pediatric Nursing. It would be 4 hours to shadow a nurse. Please reach out to Kelly or Sharon if interested.

Casuals and PT staff

Just a heads up there are many shifts out this month. If you are looking for hours they are there on staff scheduling  :)

We are having to add 5 RN shifts to Jan 21^st nights. These will be partial shift to accommodate a significant planned power outage (0000-0200). The shift will be from 2330-0700 so that we have the support we need in each unit. Watch for posting.

CN we have been asked to please ensure there has been contact with MRP (or communicate with resident to do so) following a code. 

ICRA (Individual Client Risk Assessment) training will begin in March. As part of this, we will be introducing updated policies focused on safety and risk protocol identification. Stay tuned for these new modules, and we hope they provide a stronger framework for ensuring staff safety.

Please remember to submit 1600 reports and notify us if there is a situation that requires escalation or further attention. The more reports we submit, the greater the opportunity we have to drive improvements.

We're also still working on bringing in an external provider to offer wellbeing sessions. While coordinating this has been challenging, we're making progress and hope to create a consistent, ongoing resource for staff, rather than a one-time event. In the meantime, please remember that there are numerous confidential resources available to you for support.

For more information on wellbeing and preventative practices, please refer toWellbeing - Preventative Practices & Development | SaskHealthAuthority

A few reminders:

Please ensure you are familiar with the protocols regarding patient precautions and leaving the room. It's crucial that we adhere to Infection Prevention Protocols at all times. If you're ever uncertain about what is permitted, don’t hesitate to ask!

Wristbands must be worn on patients' wrists or ankles when they are going for any tests or blood work. It is policy that staff verify these wristbands to ensure the correct patient is being attended to. Please make sure this is being followed with your patients. Refer to SHA Policy 08-009 for details.

 
Cleaning of Equipment: Proper cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment is crucial to prevent the spread of infections between patients. For long-stay patients, it is the responsibility of the RN/LPN to ensure that pumps are regularly wiped down in the room to remove visible soiling.
We also ask that UAs ensure this cleaning is done on patient discharge, as well as once a week, particularly for pumps on the carts. Thank you for helping us with these things, we hope the concerted effort will help keep our equipment clean and everyone safe!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine.  And if you are here – thank you!

CNE Update

We have begun orientation! 

IV Midazolam:

There is a new Work Standard on the S-Drive q-cards. If using IV midazolam unrelated to procedural sedation, please review this very quick Work Standard. This highlights the safety requirements needing including End-tidal Capnography with assistance from RT (we have 2 of these machines in the treatment room). This was a collaborative decision between Physician, Management and RT.

Drug Shortage:

Ifosfamide is on national shortage. The shortage is predicted to be ongoing for an extended period of time. Patients on ifosfamide will be assessed daily by Physician and nurse to confirm "Treatment Ready". There will be ongoing communication between Oncologist, Nurse and Pharmacy. Pharmacy will only prepare doses once communication has happened and patient is deemed "Treatment Ready".