[sonsonly]

Hi, my name is Laura Jones. I am a RN pursuing my BSN through University of South Alabama. I am working on one of my final projects for my degree and would appreciate your help. I am to have a discussion with a nurse that is working in the area I completed my practicum (which was rehab). It has to be in another region of the country. (I live in Louisiana) I would like to know who you are, where you work and what the current protocols for fall precautions are at your facility. Does your hospital use bed alarms, wheelchair alarms, vail beds, something else? Do you use hip protectors at your facility, if so, on which patients? Please provide any other information concerning fall precautions that you think I might like to know. Thank you so very much for your help! It is greatly appreciated! Laura

[Jessy_RN]

Hello and welcome to the wonderful family of allnurses.com. Enjoy your stay, and best of luck to you.

[MS._Jen_RN]

Hi, I'm in Michigan. I work in a 40 bed acute rehab unit. We use the following to prevent falls and other injuries:
Bed rails up X's 4
Lap belt restraints
Pelvic restraints
Net beds (that's what we call them- I think you said Vail-that's a brand name)
Bed and chair alarms
Soft wrist restraints (at times to prevent untying the lap belts)
Moving the patient to a room near the RN's station
Signs in the room to remind the patient to call for help
Appropiate foot wear at all times (no-skid booties, shoes etc)
A personal companion (sitter)

It all depends on the patient and why they are a fall risk. If you have any further questions post here or PM me.

~Jen

[Seasoned]

In addiion to those listed by MS. Jen RN (very very good!!). I will add:

• "Red" skid proof footies used on the geri unit at Peachford Hospital (Atlanta) to catch those who made it up walking but were non-compliant with the precaution directive
• A removable star that has fall risk printed on it to put on pt's chart, armband, door, etc. used at Emory University Hospital
• removable signage on the door and over the bed used at Emory Wesley Woods
• Special colored arm band that indicates fall risk used at Southern Regional Hospital (Atlanta)

[rehab3]

Working in LTC in a 292 bed facility; we are restraint free and use alarms as fall/injury prevention with a variety of success/failures. We look for alternatives for all situations such as Med changes, labs, timing secondary to staff shift changes and more important try to find out "WHY" they were moving or what went wrong. We have an active Therapy program and follow up Restorative exercise program to improve balance and strength as fall preventive methods. A team decides what to trial as much as possible with least restrictive methods trialed first. Often a room check will uncover the cause if there is too much clutter or items blocking a pathway; possibly the room can be rearranged to make everyday activities easier to perform. It is always a challenge to keep people as mobile as possible and safe at the same time.

[Schmoo1022]

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[rehabme]

Hi in Australia - We use falls risk signs, arm bands and assesment tool that is meant to identify who is going to fall. Generally all patients have low low beds and call bell in reach. In a 35 bed unit we average between 10 and 20 falls a month (neuro and amps patients) which depends on clients. Most falls happen when patients get their fist taste of freedom and will happen in bathroom. (first taste of freedom = just starting to walk) My next step is to add signs telling patients to call.