PIPD Update May 29, 2026

Let’s get right into it.   We are still working with staff scheduling and the union on the master schedule rotation and expect to have it ready for line selection by mid-June, with an anticipated implementation date of September 23.    I also want to address some of the misinformation that I’ve heard circulating around the unit in hopes that his clears some of it up.  As always, don’t hesitate to ask us for clarification. The 19.29 FTE positions are funded by the Ministry and are intended to staff the unit with 22 RNs on both days and nights. We are fortunate to have an LPN complement above that baseline, which helps us maintain safe staffing levels and better support the team.  We will continue to optimize both of these scopes and continue to work together on the unit – nothing is changing there.   With this baseline staffing model, we will be able to staff flex with two nurses on both days and nights. There are no changes to how we utilize flex or to our working relationship with PICU. In reality, we have been staffing above our funded baseline—or trying to—for quite some time, and this additional funding recognizes the staffing levels required to meet the needs of our unit.   It truly takes a village to keep this place running. Every role on this unit is important, valued, and essential to the care we provide. Thank you to every single person who contributes to making this unit function every day.   New info across SHA -  As part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Patient First Health Care Plan, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is taking immediate action to optimize health-care providers’ scope of practice—beginning with Licensed Practical Nurses. This work is a critical step in improving access to care, strengthening team‑based models, and ensuring patients receive the right care, from the right provider, at the right time and in the right place. Optimizing scope of practice strengthens team‑based care, improves patient access, reduces unnecessary workload pressures, and better aligns skills with patient needs. Your leadership is essential to ensuring these changes translate into meaningful, safe improvements in patient care across Saskatchewan. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to advancing patient‑first care.  FYI from Pharmacy: To reduce light impact on compounded TPN products we will be switching our smaller volume TPN bags. Please the attached memo regarding Transition from Clear TPN EVA 250 mL and 500 mL bags to  UV TPN EVA 250 mL and 500 mL bags. This replaces the need for brown overwrap. tidbits Our lift is back! there are now 2 on the ward. Please remember to update the coordinators when you have a discharge out or a patient that can be transferred to another center - it really helps with the flow on the unit.  as you know lately there has been a lot of flow in! Our buddies are starting this week! Please take the opportunity to be supportive, welcoming, and helpful as they begin their learning journey. We know having a buddy can add to an already busy day, and at times it may feel like one more thing on your plate. However, the impact you have by allowing them to observe your head-to-toe assessments, clinical skills, and interactions with families is invaluable. You are helping shape their confidence, knowledge, and future practice with every experience you share. Thank you for being positive role models and mentors. The extra time, patience, and effort you invest today can make a lasting difference for someone starting out. Your leadership matters, and your hard work truly pays off. Check out the social board in the small room for fun activities coming up:     Beading night with R1 Christine on June 8th @ 7pm.  Costs $10! EMT pipdsocials@gmail.com     There is a scrap book being started by a mother for a long term patient -  check it out in the             small staff room!     Also check out the PIPD Social page for more events & pictures! Have a great weekend, Sharon & Kelly. Updates to the Transmission Based Precautions Table

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) has made the following updates to the Transmission Based Precautions Table: Added a travel-specific context to the Andes strain of Hantavirus if patient has traveled to Argentina/Chile or been in close contact with a case in the past 42 days. Within the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) entry, provided direction for a patient flagged as Previously Positive MRSA (i.e., they are managed on Routine Practices). Provided clarification on when/if precautions can be modified from Droplet/Contact if MRSA or Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) is found in the sputum or tracheal aspirate. SHEPP Pension Information Webinars 📅 May 27, June 11 and 25📍 Virtual 🌐Register Sent on behalf of the Procedure Owner/Sponsor: Felecia Watson, Executive Director, Patient Safety and Experience  Good afternoon team members,  The following SHA procedure is now in effect. ·                     Hair Cutting Procedure (SHA-05-002P2)  All SHA Team Members are required to review this procedure and include: ·                     Staff; ·                     Practitioner Staff; ·                     Learners; ·                     Contractors; ·                     Contracted Individuals; ·                     Volunteers; ·                     Patient Family Partners (PFPs) and ·                     Knowledge Keepers  SHA Employees – Access E-Learn to review the policy: ·                     Copy and paste this link into Google Chrome: https://elearn.saskhealthauthority.ca/ ·                     Instructions and troubleshooting are below. It may be necessary to clear your internet cache (internal users click here for instructions; external users click here) to see updated versions of policies.

CNE Update

Broviac/Tunneled CVAD

Just a reminder that Broviac/Tunneled CVADs should be clamped on the thick portion of the line - NEVER the thin portion. Look for the "clamp here" on the line and clamp on that spot.

NEW Q-card - KiteLock 4% Sterile Catheter Lock Solution

If the physicians order KiteLock 4% for a CVAD or IVAD, this is in replacement of heplocks. It is a patient specific special order so contact Krista if KiteLock is ordered for a patient. If your patient is already on KiteLock, it will be kept in the med room with a patient label on it.

All information is found on the S-Drive - q-cards-nursing. 

Eat Sleep Console (ESC) for weaning/withdrawal infants under 1 month

The Caregiver PIER Handout has been updated to a link in the q-cards folder on the S-Drive. 

NEW Linen bags on linen carts

You will now start seeing re-usable white mesh bags containing linen. If you empty a white mesh bag, please place the mesh bag in the dirty linen hampers. 

Bolus Bins

Please remember to restock the Bolus Bin after it has been used. This is a nursing responsibility. If the Bolus Bins are not restocked, your teammates will not have easy access to bolus supplies in emergent situations.