Clinical internship...what to expect?

i_love_patient_care · Jan 5, 2014

When I make rounds, I check every room to make sure they are clutter free (trashes also not overflowing) and the Resident/Patient is safe. If they need to be turned, they get turned, and briefs checked if in use. Make sure everything is in reach (call light, TV remote, phone, grabby thingy, etc..). Offer to help to the bathroom if they are being retrained in toileting. I check Foley bags to make sure they aren't getting too full. For fall risk patients, I check their position in the bed to make sure they aren't close to the edge or their legs/feet hanging off the edge. That's all I can think of at the moment.

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Jan 5, 2014

Also, check to make sure the bed is locked and low, the call bell is in reach, fluids are available (if indicated) and the tv remote is close at hand :)

ali.nystrom · Jan 5, 2014

"Making rounds" simply means that you go into each patients room/locate the patient to check on them--make sure they aren't on the floor, check their brief, re position the patient, take them to the restroom if needed. I always try to pick up their room and organize the bed side tables. At my facility, we have to ring their call bell at least every 2 hours--so that the facility has proof that we were actually in with the resident at least every 2 hours. Its all about patient safety and helping them when they need it.

It is especially important if you are working with Alzheimers/Dementia patients that you make sure you check on them AT LEAST every 2 hours (More than that if possible). A lot of them are not able to use the call bells because they can't remember, so you need to make sure you check on them frequently. A lot of them tend to wander or get into things they shouldn't be. It can be super easy for them to fall or become confused if they get somewhere they are not familiar with. When I worked in a memory care unit I made rounds and located all my patients at least every hour when possible to make sure they were safe and not getting into trouble.

TurtleCat · Jan 5, 2014

For me, making rounds every 2 hours consists of brief checks and repositioning (if required), and bed checks to make sure patient is fine and in good condition. Also, depending on the particular patient, I may monitor and check them more frequently -- such as with Alzheimer's/dementia clients to make sure they aren't falling or getting into trouble, like ali.nystrom said.