Lots of Updates!

PEWS: We are rolling out Pediatric Early Warning Signs (PEWS) on 7C beginning Monday June 24.  I've gone over the details with a few of you and others may have used these when floating to 7E or 7B.  This is a paper form for now, but after the trial the safety team will try to have it put in McKesson.  It will DEFINITELY be in EPIC.  I have placed laminated copies of the algorithm in each wallaroo.  It walks you through exactly what to do depending on your patient's score.  Scoring is done at least Q4, more often if their score is higher.  Please page Tanya Green with any questions at 13408.  She will be around Monday to help roll these out.

Labeling: In safety rounds over the last few months we have been discussing the need for labeling of all lines, tubes, and drains to prevent accidental misuse.  The issue is being taken to practice council in hopes of creating a hospital-wide policy.  In the meantime, it was decided to implement this practice in PICU and 7C as we attempted to do months ago.  Please label all tubes and drains with grey OTHER labels or white tape.  This includes foleys, NG, GT, Chest Tubes, JPs, Peritoneal drains, etc.  Let me know if you have any questions. 

Allergy Acknowledgements: Allergy acknowledgements are now being audited and PICU and 7C are missing quite a few.  Please get in the habit of clicking on the RED allergy icon (Stop sign w/ !) and making sure each allergy says CONFIRMED.  I posted screen shots on both education boards for clarification.  If you have questions about this, please let me know. 

Resident Skills:  Did you know that Residents need to learn how to place IVs, foleys, and other nursing skills?  Let them do your work for you!  Dr. Evans created a survey for third years to determine their comfort level with performing necessary skills and two of the skills residents are least comfortable with are PIV placement and foley placement.  Help them help you by offering to show them how to do it, or allow them to perform the skill with your guidance.  Please don't hand them the foley kit and walk away, but take advantage of their help and engage them so they learn.  If you meet resistance with this, please let myself or Dr. Evans know. 

Thanks Everyone!

Erin