Compliance, Safety, and Professional Responsibility (PCT HOSA)

Chain of Command (lowest to highest)

patient care tech→ licensed practical/vocational nurse→ RN→ charge nurse→ assistant nurse manager→ nurse manager of unit→ nurse manager of department→ director of nursing/chief nursing officer

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; requires basic safety practices to protect any employee working in the place from different types of hazards

biological hazards

damage caused by infectious agents. biomedical waste may cause biological hazards

chemical hazards

damage caused by different chemicals in the laboratory. all chemicals containing hazardous ingredients in a concentration higher than 1% must have a Material Safety Data Sheet/ (MSDS) on file

radiological hazard

damage caused by radiating X-rays or atomic particles. healthcare workers that are frequently in contact with radiological radiation wear dosimeters to record their total exposure

electrical hazards

may result from exposure to high voltage equipment that can cause burns and shock

how to prevent electrical hazards

• do not use extension cords

• make sure electrical equipment is grounded

• don’t plug in more than two items into an outlet without using a power strip that the facility has approved

• dry hands before using electrical equipment

• position electrical devices away from sources of water

• do not use equipment with signs of wear/damage

• report unsafe equipment to the biomedical engineering department

fire or explosive hazards

include open flames, oxygen, and flammable chemicals

how to prevent damage from fire hazards

R- rescue persons immediately in danger

A- sound the nearest fire alarm

C- confine the fire (close doors/windows)

E- extinguish a small fire and stop it from spreading/ evacuate

how to operate a fire extinguisher

P- pull the pin

A- aim low

S- squeeze the handle

S- sweep the unit

physical hazards

includes wet floors and heavy lifting, which can cause sprains and strains. avoid by wearing proper attire, avoiding running, and not overextending your reach

HCAHPS

Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems; publicly reported survey of patients’ perspectives of hospital care

CLSI

clinical laboratory standards institute; established operational standards for laboratory testing

Preventing Falls

• make sure patients wear shoes when exiting the bed

• keep patients’ rooms adequately lit

• make sure patients know how to use a call light

• remove any clutter in a patient’s path

• clean fluids that spill on the floor

Preventing Burns

• check the temp of bath and shower water, make sure it is between 105-110 degrees F (40.5-43.3 C)

• warn patients when food and beverages are hot, place lids on cups with hot beverages

• don’t use heating pads on high settings/ don’t allow patients to sleep with a heating pad on

• place a cloth/towel between a heating device and the patient’s skin

Side Rail Policies

policies may vary. having a half side rail up may allow a patient to reposition themselves in bed

abuse

any action that has the potential to cause harm to another person

negligence

the failure to deliver care that individuals need to maintain health and safety and meet basic human needs

exploitation

taking advantage of a vulnerable individual for the abuser’s personal gain

different types of abuse

• physical

  • inflicting physical harm

• financial

  • spending a persons money/assets for reasons other than their wellbeing, stealing money

• psychological/emotional

  • inflicting mental harm through insults, bullying, etc

• sexual

  • imposing nonconsensual sexual activity

• basic rights

  • violating basic rights such as freedom of speech

reporting abuse

begin by telling telling the nurse you work with, and if required, tell the immediate supervisor

how to respond to an active shooter

Run- leave possessions, follow an escape route, show hands

Hide- if you’re with patients, stay with them and hide from shooter’s view

Fight- as a last resort, act physically aggressive

how to apply a gait belt

1. Apply the gait belt securely around the patient’s waist.

2. Walk to the side of patient, grasping the gait belt toward the patient’s back. The other hand may support the patient’s arm or grasp the gait belt toward the patient’s side. Unless the patient has a tendency to lean toward one particular side, walk on the patient’s weaker side so you are able to provide assistance if the patient starts to fall.

3. Have the patient support himself or herself by leaning on or holding your arm.

4. Walk slightly behind the patient for better support.

5. Walk with your knees and hips flexed.

6. After ambulation, loosen or remove the gait belt.

7. Document the procedure.

patients have the right to…

1. access to healthcare without any prejudice

2. treatment with respect and dignity at all times

3. privacy and confidentiality

4. personal safety

5. complete information about one’s own condition and treatment

patients’ responsibilities to the healthcare institutions include…

1. providing accurate information about themselves

2. giving information regarding their known conditions

3. participating in decision making regarding treatment and care

advance directives

signed and witnessed documents that provide specific instructions for healthcare treatment in the event that a person is unable to make these decisions personally at the time they are needed

living will

a written document that directs treatment in accordance with the patient’s wishes in the event of a terminal illness/condition

which identifiers can you use to identify patients?

• full name (required)

• date of birth

• address

• phone number

• social security number (if medical facility requires it on medical forms)

• photo identification