[imperial]

I am interested in knowing rules of various units. i.e. DaVita, Gambro, FMC, RCG, independent, etc.

1. Are family members allowed with patient during put on and take off?

2. Do your units do access flow testing, and, if so, what type?

3. Do staff adhere to infection control practices, in reality, i.e. washing hands between patients, or between touching machines if gloves are not worn, washing hands before and after gloving?

thanks, trying to get a complete understanding of this dialysis culture as I see it. Trying to sort out alot about healthcare. Thanks.

[jnette]

Originally Posted by imperial

I am interested in knowing rules of various units. i.e. DaVita, Gambro, FMC, RCG, independent, etc.

1. Are family members allowed with patient during put on and take off?

2. Do your units do access flow testing, and, if so, what type?

3. Do staff adhere to infection control practices, in reality, i.e. washing hands between patients, or between touching machines if gloves are not worn, washing hands before and after gloving?

thanks, trying to get a complete understanding of this dialysis culture as I see it. Trying to sort out alot about healthcare. Thanks.

No . Family members are NOT allowed to be on the floor when patients are being put on or taken off. Nor are the dietician or social worker for that matter. Too much blood flying around.

Yes, we do access flow testing.

We do NOT allow our patients (or staff) to eat/drink on the floor or on the machines while dialyzing..

Yes we are conscientious about infection control and cross contamination. Sometimes it is more pressing to get to the patient in a hypotensive crises or one who has lost his grip on his access or his needle has come out and is bleeding all over the floor than to stand and wash your hands prior to slipping on a clean pair of gloves.. unless of course your hands are soiled or you were involved with the blood of another patient at the time prior.

If you really want a thorough understanding of dialysis "culture", I recommend shadowing a nurse for a month or two, and see it from both perspectives.. the patient's AND the staff member's.

[earle58]

Originally Posted by imperial

I am interested in knowing rules of various units. i.e. DaVita, Gambro, FMC, RCG, independent, etc.

1. Are family members allowed with patient during put on and take off?

2. Do your units do access flow testing, and, if so, what type?

3. Do staff adhere to infection control practices, in reality, i.e. washing hands between patients, or between touching machines if gloves are not worn, washing hands before and after gloving?

thanks, trying to get a complete understanding of this dialysis culture as I see it. Trying to sort out alot about healthcare. Thanks.

perhaps you'd get more detailed and comprehensive information by writing to each of these companies. i'm sure they'd be more than willing to answer your questions.

leslie

[imperial]

Originally Posted by earle58

perhaps you'd get more detailed and comprehensive information by writing to each of these companies. i'm sure they'd be more than willing to answer your questions.

leslie

I appreciate hearing from those who are working directly with patients. Often, as you might know, the companies will provide information that is 'ideally' to be done but in the 'real' world is not done. Hearing from those of you with experience is a learning experience for me as well being able to share and exchange information. Often in speaking with several staff from different companies, even within one company there are variances in many policies and procedures. many.

[nosonew]

Originally Posted by imperial

I appreciate hearing from those who are working directly with patients. Often, as you might know, the companies will provide information that is 'ideally' to be done but in the 'real' world is not done. Hearing from those of you with experience is a learning experience for me as well being able to share and exchange information. Often in speaking with several staff from different companies, even within one company there are variances in many policies and procedures. many.

Actually Imperial, I would be happy to answer those questions.

To be blunt, we follow all policies, procedures and protocols put in place. I would be interested to know what your experience is with dialysis and if you work for any of the mentioned companies, and if so, in what capacity. Thanks.

[earle58]

actually you've peaked our curiosity and in another thread i asked you where you work and what you do.....for some reason you didn't answer that. i think many of us would relax if we knew more about you since you're asking all these questions.

leslie

[imperial]

I am a RN who has never worked as a dialysis nurse. I do not, nor have I ever worked for any dialysis company. I research on various healthcare issues. Knowing some who are dialysis patients, my own curiousity has been tweeked after hearing various stories of delivery of care situations. I hope this satisfies your request for information. Any websites you can give for education would be appreciated. I have read, downloaded and printed all kinds of information from company sites to CMS site to advocacy groups.

a thirst for more education is like a cold glass of water on a hot day!

[imperial]

Earle.............

Namaste'

[imperial]

Originally Posted by earle58

actually you've peaked our curiosity and in another thread i asked you where you work and what you do.....for some reason you didn't answer that. i think many of us would relax if we knew more about you since you're asking all these questions.

leslie

Goodness, should I even ask why you would make a statement i.e. 'many of us would relax if we knew more about you'.. I am not a spy for a company and, in fact, even if I were, I don't know who you are or where you work, what state, etc etc.. So it would not matter. However, I can see your view and appreicate your sharing same.

[earle58]

Originally Posted by imperial

Goodness, should I even ask why you would make a statement i.e. 'many of us would relax if we knew more about you'.. I am not a spy for a company and, in fact, even if I were, I don't know who you are or where you work, what state, etc etc.. So it would not matter. However, I can see your view and appreicate your sharing same.

the difference being is that if i were a spy, i am not inundating you with questions, interrogation-style and making allegations against certain co's and putting nurses on the defense.

may i suggest that if you wish to find out more about dialysis, go to google. you'll get more information than you ever dreamed of.

good luck.