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1.  Launch of the Penn Medicine Nursing Specialty Certification Hub

o   A new centralized resource that brings certification information, tools, and support resources together in one user-friendly location.

Certification Preparation Resources: Penn Medicine Nursing Specialty Certification Hub

Launch of Exam Prep Connect:  a flexible, self-paced certification review platform available to Penn Medicine nurses at no direct out-of-pocket cost.

Provides on-demand preparation resources to support certification attainment and maintenance.

2.   HUP intranet survey is now live- complete until August 26th! Doesn’t take long and give your feedback regarding what you want out of HUP intranet

3.  SMART goal updates; will work with PFE on omitting the second bullet point in our nursing handoff tool to help ease filling out the incisional care piece. We will be putting a new visual aid in the patients bathrooms to encourage patients to become independent with their incisional care. We also mentioned partnering with the CNA’s if they are bathing your patients to have them bring you in at the end of the bath so you can go over incisional care with the patient without having to do the entire bath.

4. We reviewed some HCAPHS data; a few of our nurses were shouted out! Lindsay N, Christina, Alyssa V, Aba, and Tom. We went over some comments regarding staff noise at common nurses station and just reminded staff to be mindful; especially for those patients who are located around the common stations. We also covered pain control and having clear conversations with out patients about their pain medicine and whether they would like to be woken overnight for pain meds! Important to set the expectation with your patient at the start of your shift to alleviate any miscommunication.

5. We discussed the afternoon APP-RN check in. This was set in place to have a clear understanding of POC and try to alleviate prolonged LOS especially regarding diuresis among the PCU. We are already looking at our shift I/O; so checking in with the APP and letting them know will help determine diuresis planning and give you opportunity to ask any POC questions, especially if your patient has a lot of consults to get a clear plan!

Next Meeting: September 2nd 3-4p!

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Starting on Tuesday, August 4th, HUP pharmacy will begin dispensing Bivalirudin 250 mg/500 mL infusion bags utilizing the Rio drug reconstitution device.

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Product Change Alert_Bivalidrudin 250 mg-500 mL with RIO 1

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New: afternoon touch point with APP 3p-5p via securechat

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New: afternoon touch point with APP 3p-5p via securechat

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Objectives

Standardize afternoon RN-APP communication

RN to initiate secure chat between 3pm and 5pm (M-F)

Must share key patient updates: I&Os, mobility, and concerns

Can clarify plan of care, labs, tests, and orders

Can address patient/family questions before shift end

Document under interdisciplinary rounds

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Cardiac Surgery PCU Afternoon Touch Point

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Male surgical vest- now on top of the wound cart

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Male surgical vest- now on top of the wound cart

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Now located on top of the wound cart! Secure chat the 9 Center Wound Team if sizes need restocking.

Inclusion criteria:

BMI >35

OR

redo sternotomy

If your patient meets one of these criteria and does not have a vest on, put one on

Please continue to refer to it as a vest

Patient education is super important

Follow same process as surgical bra- document under surgical bra (PennChart update in the works)

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Single Patient Use Disposable Tele Lead Starting 7/21

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Single Patient Use Disposable Tele Lead Starting 7/21

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Beginning Tuesday 7/21, leads will be applied to patients in the HVICU from the OR

The leads will follow the patient during their hospitalization

One lead set per patient

When leaving the floor, the leads can stay on the patient. They are compatible with most transport monitors

This is a TRIAL- we have 300 sets

See tip sheet for more details

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Reminder to not remove Tele leads for extended period of time during baths

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Reminder to not remove Tele leads for extended period of time during baths

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When bathing patients, preop or post op, patient should not be off tele for more than the time it takes to replace tele leads

Remove the leads, wash and dry the chest, and replace leads

The only exception is if the patient has an order to shower

There have been emergencies in the past where patients were off tele while bathing without an order and we didn't know the presenting rhythm so please be mindful

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AlloSure Specimen Collection

Both the heart and lung AlloSure kits will be the same going forward.

For nurse drawn units, please ensure proper specimen labelling and packaging is completed. The courier will NOT be labelling or packaging the specimens.

The attached Specimen Collection Tip Sheet will be included with the kit.

Kit Drop Off/Pick Up Process:

1. Transplant will continue to notify your team via secure chat when an AlloSure order is placed and a courier has been requested.

2. A courier will deliver the kits to the units between 9am to 12pm Monday to Friday.

3. Specimen collection & packaging will be the same – please refer to the attached tip sheet.

4. Once collected, keep the kits in the patient rooms until pick up. Nursing will reply to the secure chat to notify Transplant that the specimen is ready for pickup.

5. The transplant team will request a courier to pick up the kit.

6. The courier will ask for the nurse at the unit for the kit. The courier will NOT enter patient rooms.

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AlloSure Lung - Specimen Collection Tip Sheet

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Developed collaboratively with the Cardiac Surgery APP group to create a shared approach to RN–APP communication for patient care concerns

Provides guidance on when to use a phone call, Secure Chat, or interdisciplinary rounds based on the urgency and complexity of a patient's clinical condition

Promotes timely communication, patient safety, and clinical judgment while recognizing that every patient situation is unique.

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SMART GOAL: Patient Education on Incisional Care

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SMART GOAL: Patient Education on Incisional Care

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Remember to educate your patient on Incisional care every shift

Review the tip sheet to ensure all pieces of teaching are being completed

Update education phase in nursing hand-off tool

Document education!

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1. Nose to toes decolonization- has been going well for the patients that we've seen. We discussed that we should be signing out these meds in the MAR (both iodine swabs and the wipes). They will not show up in your brain a lot of the time, but will show in work list or in the bottom of your MAR. If you do not have an order and know your patient is getting a central line placed today, please reach out to the provider.

2. Quality updates- we discussed our quality data as we finished out FY26.

CLABSI

FY 26: 1

FY25: 0

CAUTI

FY26: 1

FY25: 0

CDIFF

FY26: 0

FY25: 1

UAPI

FY26: 2

FY26: 7

FALLS

FY26: 14

FY25: 17

FALLS W/ INJURY

FY26: 3

FY25: 2

Awesome job! We saw a lot of improvements in this FY, especially UAPI and falls!

3. SMART Goal updates- just a reminder our unit SMART goal is "9 Center will achieve 80% patient completion of return demonstration of incision care prior to discharge by the end of CY26" Patient family Ed and UC will be working together to put tip sheets and videos together focusing on teaching patients who to accurately clean their incision and will be implementing huddles T/Fri/Sun. We are tracking compliance through the nursing hand off tool so please be sure you are filing out the daily hand off section! See example below

Incision Education:

Reviewed incision care with patient/family: Date: 6/28

Demonstrated incision care with patient/family in bathroom in front of mirror. Date: 6/30

Patient/family returned demonstrated incision care. Date: 7/6

4. Recognition dues were due by June 30th. We collect two times a year (January and June) or you could have paid all at once in the beginning of the year. We will send reminders to those who still need to submit, but if you know you need to, please venmo Ellie (elliec16) or you can bring cash to any recognition member!

5.  Nursing handoff- just a reminder to delete old information that is no longer pertinent to the patient history. We discussed deleting info that is older than 48 hours unless it is critically indicated! It is not being deleted from the patient permanent record, just to keep the handoff clean and less busy! And please make sure we are still doing full PCNR report, passing off the handoff should not replace report

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Product Alert: Central Line Insertion Kits (TLC)

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Product Alert: Central Line Insertion Kits (TLC)

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Due to manufacturing disruption, the Cook/Spectrum 25cm Triple Lumen CVC kit (Lawson 40032274 /Ref G49807) is on backorder. The substitute item is Spectrum: 25cm 7Fr Triple Lumen CVC (Ref G44127), which is the same kit as the original but without PPE components (facemask, bouffant, sterile gown).

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"Due to a critical shortage of insulin glargine (Lantus SoloStar Pens), the pharmacy will be dispensing insulin glargine (Basaglar Kwikpens), beginning Thursday, July 2nd.

There are NO CHANGES to the active ingredient, concentration, or storage requirements. PennChart has been updated to include the names of both insulin preparations for order entry and documentation on the MAR."

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Product Change Alert Insulin Glargine_7.2026 - Copy

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Parking Resources: Employees & Patients/Visitors

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Parking Resources: Employees & Patients/Visitors

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Parking Services | Penn Transportation and Parking

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Bower Cafe now open on Saturday’s 8a-2p!

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Bower Cafe now open on Saturday’s 8a-2p!

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1. Positive HCAHPS comments. Special shout out to Lindsay, Ceyola, and Tyler!

1. "My RN Lindsay was exceptional. She couldn't do enough for me. Excellent nurse."

2. "Two nurses were above and beyond for me. Ceyola was my nurse when I came up from ICU and she was incredibly patient with me and really helped start my recovery. I feel like my recovery would not have gone as well if it was not for her because she started it all. Tyler was the other nurse who was extremely helpful. He was always patient with me and took his time explaining things and was just extremely helpful"

2. We discussed Pickit and how it is working so far. Realtime feedback in the app is encouraged and any delays or concerns should be documented. Overall, the feedback has been positive hospital wide.

3. Nursing Handoff- Hold each other accountable for not deleting outdated information. No more than 48 hours should be included in the updates.

4. Laura is working on a rough draft of a "Secure Chat vs Call" template for escalation to providers. A call, secure chat, or waiting to discuss information at rounds. The APPs will also give feedback.

5. SMART Goal 2026! Roughly,  "9 Center will increase patient return demonstration of incision care prior to discharge by ____% by the end of CY26." Nursing should be discussing the 3 incision care points in handoff and updating education dates. More information to come.

Our June meeting is canceled next month so we will see you in July.

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If you are unsure what category the problem falls under, reference this list!

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Important things to remember:

Complete 2 hours prior to insertion

Ensure you have a nose to toes order

Sign out iodine AND chg wipes in MAR

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ROVER ISSUES

Patient Wristband not scanning (not capturing or not scanning

• need phone /patient info/medication submitted in a ticket within 24 hours if possible

CODE WRITER

• Newest SSO process requiring Full Penn Medicine Email address when attempting to close a clinical emergency document

( I.e John.smith@pennmedicine.upenn.edu)

• NOT Penn medicine username (I.e. smithj)

Correct Wi-Fi network for SCiPs

• Wi-Fi “Penn medicine” not UPHS Guest

• NEVER enter your personal Penn Medicine credentials for these networks

• If not please place an IS ticker to have an EUS team member connect to the correct Wi-Fi

Ambulating O2 Dot Phrases

• .AMBO24L and .AMBO25L dot phases have been updated to ensure proper insurance processing and alignment it’s CMS

• staff should use these dot phrases for ambulatory O2 assessment documentation

Patch Verification

• a new MAR action “Patch Verify” will be available for all patch orders to confirm transdermal patch medications are in intact and in place

• Nurses should document a patch verification once per shift. A task will populate on the brain and work list at 0800 and 2000 after med applied action has been completed on MAR

No Qshift Button in Vitals and I&O Frequency

• aim to reduce the ambiguity of the Q shift radio button in vitals and I&O

• Q shift option is removed

• Q12 radio button added

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus Infection flag

• The flag for VRE infection linked to order contact precautions has been removed. This was related to the earlier request of the discontinuation of the use of contact precautions for inpatients colonized with VRE

Quick tip!

Admission Documentation

When going through the workflow of admitting a patient, staff should review and document admission through the admission navigator not required documentation

Why?

• not all needed documentation is listed via required documentation Admission Navigator (sections that must be addressed through the navigator)

• Signed and Held Orders

release all orders as appropriate the setting

• Language

Confirm language and need for interpreter

• Patient belongings

Document patient belongings including medications

Document medications sent to pharmacy

Document belongings sent to security

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Ambulatory Walking sat protocol and dot phrase 

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Ambulatory Walking sat protocol and dot phrase 

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Can access PickIt through QR codes posted in equipment room/supply room (also see attached) and via intranet link

PickIt capabilities:

Order supplies, equipment and linen

If you can't find an item, use the 'free text' box to place an order

See tracking in real time

2 options for delivery: the tube station or unit clerk's desk

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Cleaning DHT tube connectors ("the moat") EVERY shift

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Cleaning DHT tube connectors ("the moat") EVERY shift

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Please make sure to clean DHT EVERY shift to prevent cracking of the tube

If the DHT cracks, it must be removed and replaced :(

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We are no longer requiring nurses to reach out to APP to view CXR results prior to mobilizing patients after CT pull. The patient can get out of bed after car is completed.

Please remember to use clinical judgment. If the patient is symptomatic, escalate to APP and the patient should remain in bed.

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Patient owned Insulin pumps only administer rapid-acting  insulin. If there's an interruption with the pump, DKA can develop within hours.

Hypoglycemia in pump patients- treat per protocol but consider removing/suspending pump if severe or unconscious.

FUN FACT- Continuous glucose monitors have a lag time of 5-15 minutes! Trust your fingerstick over a CGM if there is a mismatch.

Make sure to ask patients on direct admission: "Do you wear a CGM or insulin pump?" and be sure to document.

Some blood glucose monitors have steel tips which will need to be removed before radiology/OR visits.

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NEW: Converting to reusable (non-disposable) pulse ox probes week of 3/16

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NEW: Converting to reusable (non-disposable) pulse ox probes week of 3/16

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Reusable Pulse Oximeters will be the new default device in our clinical setting

Reusable Pulse Oximeters will be utilized unless otherwise specified or if an adequate reading cannot be obtained with a reusable device (see tip sheet for specifics)

There will be a pulse ox in each room on 9 Center

MUST clean thoroughly between patients or if soiled

Disposable pulse ox still available if needed i.e. continuous pulse ox ordered

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1. Fran and Mariah shared information from the Substance Use Disorder workshop they attended recently. We see this patient population often, and there is a Padlet with resources to help us best serve these patients. The next workshop is May 21st

https://padlet.com/f12hup/substance-use-disorder-hup-nursing-jii5y31klqp7bdfe

2.                  Nurse's Week is the first week of May this year. We discussed some ideas for activities on the unit and are open to ideas and suggestions. If anyone would like to help plan or know a business would donate food/gift cards/etc to the floor, please reach out!

3.                  We discussed the Unit Council Survey that was sent to staff last week and some of the responses/general findings. 35 people responded so far, but we would love to hear from everyone! We are open to trialing a different time/day for the monthly meeting and shortening meeting length. I really enjoyed reading your responses. Thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey! 🙂

4.                  When looking at quality data, we had 2 falls in the last month, 1 of which had an injury. Reminders to put all patients admitted to the unit on the 24 hour bed/chair alarm protocol and to complete the falls agreement.

5.                  Happy Certified Nurse's Day!

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Change every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday after bathing!

•Date the bra with a sharpie on the strap

Bra should be worn for roughly 20 hours a day with a 4-hour bra break (usually at night between 11p-3a but can vary based on patient preference)

DOCUMENT your interventions! The bra is part of your incisional care

Educate the patient on…

•How to clean their incision at home- return demonstration!

•Wear bra for 4-6 weeks or up to 12 weeks after surgery

•Continue “bra breaks” at home

•Change bra at least every 48 hours or when soiled

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One stop shop for all interpretation-related needs!

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New resource available to assist RNs/CNAs with MSI/surgical site incision care education.

-Remember to demonstrate and have the patient return demonstrate

-perfect opportunity to try this is a few days before discharge

- If patient has a Prevena, still practice the process!

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CHG MSI Cleansing Education for Nursing Staff

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Here are our top 5:

·  Alyssa presented her residency project on alarm fatigue​

·  HCAPHS scores and the transition with Aramark. We will see if scores and reviews improve ​

·  Welcome folders in patient's rooms! There is info on SSI, patient education,  and discharge instructions! HOT TIP: put it in front of the TV when they first get here!​

·  Nursing Certification- March 19th is Certification day​

o        You can get reimbursed for test fees​

o        PCCN (Adult) – Direct Care Eligibility Pathway - AACN​

·   We had a lengthy, open discussion on unit involvement. There will be a survey sent to staff in the next few weeks on barriers, knowledge, and how to get involved

Thank you to everyone for joining todays meeting and your input!

See you next month on 3/19!

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For patients not on continuous pulse oximetry monitoring, we should be utilizing the SPO2 "Quick Key" to toggle it 'ON' to spot check with VS or as needed and then remember to toggle it back to 'OFF' (see photo if unfamiliar).

For patients on continuous pulse oximetry, remember there should be clinical rationale to support continuous monitoring and we should dc continuous monitoring as soon as patient stabilizes/O2 is weaned.

SPO2 Probe Off continues to be our top Nihon Kohden alarm, at 10,000-12,000 alarms per month!

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PennChart Nursing Handoff Tool is going live on 9 Center starting the week of 1/5 with the goal to have everyone using it by the end of the following week (1/16)

Goal: streamline nursing report, standardize communication, and centralize key patient highlights

When writing handoff, change your title from “Cardiac Surgery” to “Nursing” so nurses can view/edit across shifts

We will use two dot-phrase templates:

.9CENTERPATIENTHIGHLIGHTS → Plan of care / patient highlights

.9CENTERHANDOFF → Physical assessment / review of systems

Outgoing nurse updates handoff with changes from their shift

Most updates will be edits to select sections, not full rewrites

Please complete updates before oncoming nurse arrives

Oncoming nurses can print handoff at sign-in and be ready for verbal report

Nursing handoff is not part of the medical record, but pulls key chart data (weights, meds, LDAs, etc.)

Shared responsibility: keep handoff accurate—this is our source of truth for patient care

Any feedback on the dot phrases? If so please comment below!

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Only those who have completed the competency can draw off a central line (charge nurses, some USG IV nurses)

Document the CL blood draw in the LDA for EVERY draw- should be documented by whoever draws the blood

Need an order for CL blood draw

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Key takeaways:

Can select primary wound type, including surgical, PI, infiltration, etc. Will cascade with secondary wound type if applicable

Surgical incisions are now documented under wounds

Moisture damage is now termed "Irritant Contact Dermatitis"

Can link NPWT to LDA

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Please review and ensure we are using the device according to manufacturer standards. The portable cannister MUST be used and is per patient use (dispose of when finished).

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Preceptors- Please sign off the orientees competencies in their folders. The attached is the description of what deems the oriented competent in each category.

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If a patient is already in house (admitted before 9/29/25 9am), the provider will need to reorder the “USA Admin to inpatient order set (or any other admission order set that includes the universal screening assessment” to trigger the flu vaccine assessment before nursing can complete the screening.

If the patient received a flu vaccine this season, Pennchart will not prompt a screening assessment. Therefore, it will not appear in the required doc section. Nurses can verify this information under the Immunization Activity within the Admission Navigator.

If the patient received a flu vaccine outside of Penn, review and reconcile the vaccine information (see instruction on 1st page of tipsheet).

Nursing leadership and staff can review if the influenza vaccine screening assessment was ordered in the “Inpatient Screening Orders” report. This is available in the Summary tab and on the patient list (see screenshots below).

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Type of Wound:

Location:

LDA added? Y/N

Measurements? Y/N

Provider notified? Y/N

Safety Net? Y/N

What wound care was started?

** Be sure to attach the patient and photo to Secure Chat message

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Please remember that nurses must be at the bedside for all wire pulls. Please do NOT set up the patient and exit the room. This is also being messaged to the APPs as well as we know there is opportunity from both APP and RNs.

Escalate any issues to leadership. Thanks!

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1:1 order should be placed by RN! Avoid providers placing 1:1 orders. This is a nurse-driven protocol

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NPWT on MSI for prophylactic use only

Only stocked in the OR- Cannot order from CDR

More formal process to come on indications & usage- currently surgeon specific

Can use our regular vac if the Prevena needs to be replaced and cannot obtain a Prevena- escalate to leadership and consult with provider

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How to Print Specimen Labels Using Rover- Brain

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How to Print Specimen Labels Using Rover- Brain

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How to Print Specimen Labels Using Rover- Worklist

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How to Print Specimen Labels Using Rover- Worklist

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The top themes from staff feedback and the vendor troubleshooting tips identified this week are:

1. Breaking the Seal: Twist the catheter hub to break the seal, then re-seat it for smooth insertion.

2. Flash vs. Feel: Look for flashback to confirm vein access. You might not feel a “pop,” so go slowly.

3. Threading: When you see flashback:

Stop pushing down

Drop the angle

Advance slightly (~1 mm)

Hold the needle steady and use the push-tab to thread the catheter.

Please continue to use the attached resources and track training via the QR code.

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What is bath in a bag?

1. Line the basin with a patient belonging bag for each bath

2. Fill the basin with warm water and washcloths

3. Wet skin with washcloth

4. Apply CHG directly to washcloth- Do not dilute it- and wash skin

5. Use a new wet wash cloth to wipe/rinse

6. Dry

7. Discard the used pt belonging bag

8. Document chg bath :)

All patients are expected to be bathed using this method. It was developed to ensure use of clean basins and hygienic bathing

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1. Rymeds caps will be transitioning to Microclave caps. There is no change in practice, just a change in product. Change every 96 hours as has been our practice.

2. Heparin/Taurolidine (DefenCath) lock to be used on patients who are receiving iHD. Go-live date July 15.

3. Remember to change the dialysis disinfecting caps every 3 days in patients who are not actively getting HD.  Pass this along in nurse-to-nurse report and document when the task is completed.

4. Blood tubing is good for 4 hours or after administering 4 blood products, whichever comes first.

5. All occlusive dressings ( example gauze covering insertion site) should be changed after 48 hours.

6. If you ever have any issues with any of the new products - place a safety net.

7. New updates to Central line policy.

8. Blood draws from central lines should be the last resort. Peripheral sticks, or from arterial lines blood draws are preferred, before using the central line.

9. Central line blood draws should only be done by our charge nurses (or those signed off to do so)

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Review each section:

1) Can You Find?

2) Check Your Charts!

3) Check Your File! (Complete all overdue KL Modules)

4) Did You Know?

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Key takeaways:

1. Always dispose of your mask when leaving a room where the patient is on droplet precautions. (Perform hand hygiene, too!)

2. If you are choosing to mask in contact precaution areas, dispose of the mask upon doffing.

3. Staff are allowed to use the same mask between patients on standard precautions and protective precautions.

4. Masks are single-use. If you touch or readjust your mask, it should be discarded.

Protective Precautions:

1. For our transplant patients, I want to make sure that our units are aligned.

2. In Epic, we should be using the protective precaution order instead of droplet precautions for transplant patients. This is outlined in our Infection Control & Isolation Policy.

3. Continue to display the "masking required" sign outside of a transplant patient room. The protective precaution order does not have an icon that automatically displays.

4. Rationale for change: when droplet precautions are ordered, it is assumed that the patient has a respiratory infection. When this is the case, masks should always be discarded to protect staff, other patients, and visitors. Using incorrect signage puts us at risk of regulatory scrutiny.

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Glove use:

Gloves should be worn for patient care and discarded afterwards. Never wear the same pair of gloves for two patients, or between two patient rooms.

Perform hand hygiene before and after glove use.

Gloves should not be worn in the hallways when transporting patients or clean supplies. Gloves may be appropriate while handling Sani-Cloths during equipment disinfection, or transporting a blood or urine sample. In all cases, gloves should be removed as soon as the activity requiring them is finished, and hand hygiene should be performed.

If gloves are observed being worn in the hallway, we are exposing ourselves to regulatory scrutiny:

Wearing gloves in the hallway may indicate you have performed patient care, and did not perform hand hygiene afterwards.

Entering another room with the same gloves would be a clear example of noncompliance with hand hygiene.

Gloves in the hallway will call attention to you! Unless you are performing a task that requires gloves, discard them and perform hand hygiene.

Mask Use (other PPE)

Surgical masks are no longer being conserved (like with COVID). A new mask must be used for each patient.

Don a new mask in each room (that requires droplet isolation or masking for other reasons) and discard it upon exit, immediately followed by hand hygiene.

Mask use is no longer a requirement in most inpatient areas. Wearing a mask may expose you to regulatory scrutiny:

A mask may indicate that you working while ill, leading a surveyor to ask.

A mask pulled down around the chin may indicate you are reusing that mask for multiple patients.

Masks in hallways may indicate you are going room to room with the same mask.

Masks worn in common areas should be discarded, and hand hygiene performed immediately after.

N95 usage in the inpatient setting is an exception. Staff may choose to preserve their N-95 masks to use on the same patient, by the same clinician during the same day. This is not recommended for surgical masks.

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All staff need to remove artificial nails/dip/wraps/extenders etc. ahead of the Joint Commission joining us (likely next week). Fingernails need to be kept short (< ¼ inch in length) and only regular or gel nail polish can be worn (if not chipped). This is to protect you and your patients from transmission of bacteria and is always our policy.

In the recent triennial survey at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC), this was a major focus and we are at risk too!

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Regulatory Readiness TipSheet - Infection Control - Equipment January 2025

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Regulatory Readiness: 'Who Cleans What?'

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Regulatory Readiness: 'Who Cleans What?'

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NEW Donation Drive for Patients & Families in Need (Year-Round)

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NEW Donation Drive for Patients & Families in Need (Year-Round)

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Key Goals of the New Process:

The primary objective is to streamline the report/handoff process and reduce delays in getting patients to dialysis for their scheduled treatments.

The dialysis nurse will review patient information for those scheduled for dialysis, without needing to call for a full report.

Secure chat will be used for reminders and clarifying questions.

Important Reminders:

·         HD Checklist Completion:

o   Sending RN will need to complete the HD checklist before sending patient(s) to HD.

o   RNs and Unit Secretaries can review the HD schedule in Snapboard in PennChart (see attached tip sheet).

The checklist is similar to an OR checklist, providing reminders to ensure all necessary steps are completed prior to sending patients for their treatment.

·         Unusual Patient Circumstances:

o   If there are any unusual circumstances (e.g., patient behavior, restraints, medication monitoring parameters), sending nurse should relay this information to the HD Charge RN via secure chat (Dialysis Charge Nurse – HUP).

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Snapboard Schedule and Pre-Hemodialysis Checklist Review 1.2025

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Regulatory Question of the Week: How Do I Know if the Physician/Provider can Perform Identified Procedure?

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Regulatory Question of the Week: How Do I Know if the Physician/Provider can Perform Identified Procedure?

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Increase Nurse Autonomy

Updated Nursing Documentation

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Product Alert: Trach Humidified O2 Set-Up

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Product Alert: Trach Humidified O2 Set-Up

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See attached for setup instructions

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We’ve been finding ex-chest tube dressings not being changed per policy AS well as Chest tube dressing

Remember

The sites must remain covered for 48 hours post pull

After 48 hours leave open to air unless draining- If draining apply dressing and change Daily

Date All dressings and pass off in report

For Chest Tubes in place policy states change daily (once 48 hours post op)

Night Shift expectation

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No Need to Email Skin Team as long as a secure chat was sent. Email will still be available if needed.

Copy and paste below message into the chat once filled out:

Type of Wound:

Location:

LDA? Y/N

Measurements?

Photo?

Safety Net?

Present on Admission?

2 RN Skin Check on Admission?

Have you started any wound care?

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Common areas of chart reviews with a surveyor in a step-by-step tip sheet! Please review :)

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Rio Go Live 4/2 w/ Cefepime- Please Watch Video

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Rio Go Live 4/2 w/ Cefepime- Please Watch Video

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Pharmacy will begin to utilize the Rio device on Cefepime 1gm and 2 gm starting 4/2, and the units will most likely see the devise starting with the 2 pm dose.

Rounding for unit based education will be from 10am -2pm and 7pm-11pm Through 4/4

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Patient Centered Care: Care Plans & Education

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Patient Centered Care: Care Plans & Education

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Regulatory Readiness TipSheet - Patient Centered Care updated 9-13-24

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Pilot Unit in the Pavilion for WCW Glucometer Cleaning Stations!

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Pilot Unit in the Pavilion for WCW Glucometer Cleaning Stations!

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You will notice we have now stocked bleach wipes and a tip sheet for glucometer cleaning with each glucometer docking station on 9 Center.

Due to space constraints, we are not stocking gloves and Purell but recognize these are important to have for cleaning our glucometers. Grab gloves from a patient server and hit a Purell station.

We are looking for feedback as a pilot unit- please let us know how it's going!

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Interpreter Documentation - Pennchart - Oct 2023

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What to do if a patient reports perception of discrimination or bias?

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What to do if a patient reports perception of discrimination or bias?

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HCE Rounding_Patient Reports of Discrimination and Bias_

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Regulatory Readiness TipSheet - Medication Administration Feb 2025

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HUP Fire Extingusihers Safety Huddle sheet version new 2024

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Pain Assessment and Intervention Huddle - February 2025

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If you haven't yet completed your annual restraint competency with Dottie, please reach out to her to complete.

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Regulatory Readiness TipSheet - Restraints January 2025

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NEW: 9 Center Independent Ambulation Guidelines 

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NEW: 9 Center Independent Ambulation Guidelines 

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In an effort to continue fall prevention, the falls committee has created inclusion and exclusion criteria for patients to walk the halls independently.

Key points:

Patients walking independently must alert nurse via call bell prior to walking

SOME patients excluded from independent walking (please review list in its entirety)

Connected to EPM (even if it is off!)

Morse fall score >45

Orthostasis in the last 24 hours

Other Fall prevention reminders:

We have seen an influx in unassisted falls in the bathroom- always remain with your patient if they are a falls risk or impulsive

Place falls risk band on ALL fall risk patients- especially new admissions

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9 Center Independent Ambulation Guidelines

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Preceptors- Please sign off the orientees competencies in their folders. The attached is the description of what deems the oriented competent in each category.

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Initial - All foundational in one document 9.2025

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Please review 2-3 questions a day from the regulatory "deck"

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Please review 2-3 questions a day from the regulatory "deck"

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Give a Shout Out to a fellow employee with a High Five!

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Give a Shout Out to a fellow employee with a High Five!

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High Five (pennhighfive.com)

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Due to the IV fluid shortage HUP pharmacy recently transitioned to utilizing the B.Braun product for 1 gram and 2-gram doses of cefepime.

B. Braun utilizes a technology called “DUPLEX” which requires the nurse to “SNAP” the bag twice in order to break the seal on the two chambers to assure the medication is mixed correctly.

Ensure to snap the bag TWICE! Otherwise patient will not receive the medication dose.