Never touch the device/implant Label things appropriately Follow protocol/policy/procedure specifically Ensure patient is in private room to prevent exposure to other patients and their loved ones Maintain distance between yourself and device consistently If necessary use shield (like lead apron) Handle linen and all patient care items per policy Typically linen and trash disposed of […]

Follow procedures for handling biohazardous materials Ensure proper labeling is in place For example, linen used with a patient with chemotherapy Demonstrate safe handling techniques to staff and patient Never recap needles, can result in a needlestick Utilize proper storage devices for used needles Color-specific (typically red or orange), leak-proof, puncture resistant

Assistive devices: use lifts as often as possible with appropriate staff and supplies, prepare client for use of lift, try to allow time to use lift Optimize bed height every single time Raise bed so you are not bending for … Continued

Carpal tunnel, back injuries are common examples Encourage appropriate body mechanics and not merely treating pain when it occurs Proper posture is essential Encourage working with physician and deciding appropriate supportive devices

Examples of assistive devices: crutches, walker, cane Important to assess their abilities first before coming up with a care plan Don’t assume they can use crutches, plan care, and then find out they have a sprained wrist Not all assistive … Continued

Nurses must participate so their role is known and appropriate Help to identify must-have equipment, potential issues or obstacles to providing care Have an emergency contact tree to contact all staff when/if disaster occurs

Nurses frequently use a color-coding system to triage patients, as identified by the facility Example: Red: highest priority, life-threatening yet survivable injuries Yellow: medium priority, injuries but not life-threatening Green: low priority, can wait an extended time, non life threatening Black: deceased on arrival, or actively dying Have both an internal and external plan This […]

Complete primary and secondary assessments Primary: identify immediate high-priority needs (think ABC’s) Secondary: identify next priority needs (think getting vitals, neuro, cardiac, pain, history, or focused assessments) When in doubt, think back to your ABC’s and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs … Continued

Important that only the sickest ones are in the facility Think patients on ventilators or respiratory support, on vasoactive medications, patients that would likely die or have profound, life-altering effects  if not receiving care they can only receive in the hospital

If a disaster occurs, immediately activate the emergency response plan Make sure that you are prepared both at home, at work, and in the community Have an emergency plan and supplies at home and communicate this with those that live … Continued