March 13, 2026
Thank you, team, for another week of hard work, intentional
teamwork, and supporting one another. We especially appreciate those who have
volunteered to preceptor the summer group and everyone who continues to step up
to keep things running smoothly. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are
very grateful for the commitment you bring to the unit every day.
A few updates and reminders:
PART Trainers
We are looking for volunteers who may be interested in becoming PART trainers
in the future. If this is something you would like to explore, please let us
know.
Infection Control Reminder
Infection Control has been on the unit recently and encourages us to continue daily
surface cleaning with bleach until Monday. UA’s are aware and supporting
this process, and we appreciate everyone’s help in maintaining these practices.
Email Contact Information
We still have several staff listed with a USask email address as their
primary contact. This is no longer an option. Please send your updated contact
information to Sharon and Kelly. Thank you for helping us keep our records
current.
Safety Centre Process Change
Patients and families who wish to report a safety event through the 1600
phone line will now be routed to the Client Concerns Office.
As the Client Concerns Office does not have 24/7 coverage for immediate or
urgent calls, we ask that staff continue to acknowledge and address patient and
family concerns, complaints, and safety events as soon as possible, or identify
the most appropriate team member or leader to assist. If additional support is
needed, patients and families may be referred to the Client Concerns Office.
Upcoming Positions
There will be both permanent and temporary positions posted in the near
future. Please keep an eye on postings and stay in touch with us if you are
hoping to secure a position so we can help keep an eye out for you.
Named Replacements
Please ensure you are following the guideline that your named replacement must
be the same level or higher. Exceptions are rare and can only be
approved in specific circumstances. This helps ensure the unit remains staffed
appropriately.
Parking Office Closure
The Royal University Hospital parking office will be closed from March
19–24 due to a staffing shortage.
For urgent parking needs during this time, please contact greg.panio@saskhealthauthority.ca.
Fun facts and updates to end the week:
Fiona welcomed a baby girl — everyone
is doing well.
It’s Krista’s birthday today — and it’s a milestone
that rhymes with morty.
The social page has been busy: Carly’s birthday bin
is stirring up some fun, Syd is exploring putting together a PIPD team for
the Million Reasons Run, another Seven Sundays order is in the
works, and it looks like pottery night was a success. Thank you to
everyone who continues to bring some fun and connection to the team. If you
have ideas for social events, please reach out.
And for those who have been around a while — Dr. Erickson
is back with Nephrology.
Thanks again for everything you do.
Kelly & Sharon
CNE Update
Isolation Infection Prevention and Control Information
NEW q-card folder on the S-drive 🠊 "Isolation Infection Prevention and Control Information". This has your most up to date information for:
1. IPAC Antimicrobial Resistant Organisms (ARO) Guidelines & Toolkits
2. Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) - shortcut to the Transmission-based Precautions Table & more!
3. XDRO - the patient handout which provides information on what XDRO is
4. a NEW folder for Lice information
5. the folder for bed bugs information
6. IPAC Nurse Care Plan Information Sheet (see next topic below)
NEW Sign for the door of a patient's room
We have created a new sign that will hang on the bottom hook of each patient's door. This is what it looks like:
Why do we need this sign? We need clear communication to alert staff there may be something important to know before going into a room but it doesn't break confidentiality. There are 3 options for why this sign may be hung up.
What "communication" is this sign for?
Option A - patient is confirmed XDRO, CPO, or C. auris. Once you have these superbugs, there is no confirmatory testing to say you are cleared.
Option B - patient has lice. SHA has prohibited the use of a "Hair Net" sign on patient doors. This allows each person going into the room to do a Point of Care Risk Assessment and don appropriate PPE including a hair net as needed.
Option C - "Other". This can be, but not limited to, no male nurses, limited visitors, etc. Essentially, something out of the norm so not everyone is entering the room without checking in with the nurse.
What do I do if I hang this sign up?
Get the "IPAC Nurse Care Plan Information Sheet" from the filing cabinet. Fill it out for Option A, B or C.
Hypergranulation Tissue and Silver Nitrate NEW Q-card in each unit's recipe box and on the S-drive.
PIPD Nurses are able to provide Prevention and Basic Treatment of hypergranulation tissue as outlined in Policy:
Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) Application (Section B Interventions, B.1. Prevention, & B.2. Basic Treatment). The Application of Silver Nitrate is a Beyond Entry Level Competency that
PIPD nurses are not certified in. Consult the Tube Nurse or NSWOC (Wound Care) for further direction in care or if Basic Treatments do not improve tissue within 7 days.
Hazardous Medications
Reminder: Each unit's med room has a Hazardous Medication binder with all you need to know to keep yourself safe.
Also - dissolving medication is safer than crushing. Always choose to dissolve instead of crushing.
Learning Opportunity
Sterile Water & NS pour bottles 500mL & 1000mLWhat do I need to do if I see particulate matter:
Baxter recommends reinforcing routine visual inspection and aseptic handling practices during product preparation and use. As part of standard inspection, users should:
• Visually examine the bottle and cap (including the area beneath the shrink band)
• Wipe off any visible residue
• Use aseptic technique while opening the bottle, in accordance with Good Clinical Practice
Although unlikely, if proper aseptic technique is not followed, any particulate matter on the exterior bottle surface could enter the sterile field in surgical settings; this may pose a clinical risk as particulate material entering the wound could act as a foreign body and impede healing. To date, there have been no reports of adverse events associated with this issue.
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