Is this Safe? Census: 45 / ID Bands: 0 / # of Nurses: 1

[carriebarton59]

Is this Safe? Census: 45 ID Bands: 0 Nurses: 1

I started a Per Diem RN position and was surprised to learn that none of the patients wear ID Bands. The accepted method of patient identification for medication administration is (1) a Photograph from the Med Pass Book (no computers here) or (2) to "ask the aides" who is who.

The most prevalent diagnosis in this population is dimentia and many patients cannot tell you their own names. So I'm wandering through the dining room with a photo in one hand and medication in the other. Or, after dinner, I'm trying to identify patients as they wander through the hallways. The Med Pass typically takes the seasoned nurses on this floor from 6 to 7 hours.

When I asked why the patients wear no ID Bands I was told that it had nothing to do with HIPPA but rather, it is a matter of "Patient Dignity" and that the bands get wet in the shower.

Eventually I will get to know all the patients but in the meantime, is this safe? And, is it standard practice?

[NursieNurseLPN, LPN]

What happens when the cna makes a mistake or theres an error in communication when IDing a resident and a med error occurs bc of it? Then, the nurse administering the med is liable, not the cna (or whomever id's pt). I will admit i am a new nurse with very limited knowledge in the "real world" of nursing so i am not the one anyone should listen to but in nursing school (again, NOT real world nursing), we were taught of the 5 rights (at least 5) with one of them being the RIGHT PATIENT. In order to ensure we have the right pt, we are taught to use two objective ways to ID them. Examples were: the ID band, patient statement of name AND date of birth, picture in MAR, etc. I do understand this is rarely feasible but i think whenever you have new people who dont know the residents, there should be at least one reliable indicator that youre giving the right patient the right medicine. Experienced nurses may be able to get away with other forms of ID, but that 1st shift for a 1st nurse can be dangerous without a reliable form of IDing the patient/resident. Esp bc at that point, you dont know which cna or staff you cant trust to be correct, they may be new as well. But it falls on us, the nurses. Also, i was told that in my area, CT, if the state comes in, some places have staff run around to make sure everyone has ID bands bc they check that. But thats just talk so i cant confirm it. Anyways, just a comment based on my VERY limited experience. Just thought id throw it out there! ; )

[BSNRNINRI]

I totally agree. Safety first.

[BSNRNINRI]

If you had to stay in the hospital for an extended time....I'm sure you would wear one then.

I do believe in dignity but it is the safety of the patient first. CNA's do alot for the patient's but they come and go like the waether in many LTC facilities and you may not be working with one that has been there for a long time. I wish it were state law that ID bands need to be on all patients/residents in any healthcare setting....this would avoid many errors.

[Blackcat99]

I have 40 patients and am a "float" nurse . I work both shifts now 3-11 and 11-7. None of the residents have ID bands. We have no photos anywhere. There are many days of CNA "call offs" and so I sometimes get CNA floats who are angry because they got floated and then they don't want to help you with anything period. The good news is that I am no longer "new" and so am learning for myself as to who is who. When I first started, it was pure hell.

[VANurse2010]

If I have to live in a nursing home and you put a name tag on my leg, be prepared to be kicked every time you try to look at it. Dignity is everything.

I'd have you sent out for behaviors.

[didel033]

I'd have you sent out for behaviors.

Now that's funny.lol

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

If I were alert and oriented, you'd have a hard time finding a doctor to agree to send me out. My wishes are already carefully spelled out in my care plan which my HCP has in the event I can no longer speak for myself.

[VANurse2010]

If you were alert and oriented and kicked me, I'd have you charged with battery.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

And I'd call Jim Sokolof to defend me against....hmmmm.he'd come up with something to save me from a name tag on my ankle!

[Blackcat99]

If I ever get admitted to a nursing home, I am going to demand a name tag around my wrist for my own safety. I don't want to take a chance and get the wrong medication.

[LTCRN4LIFE]

I once worked in a facility that sent a resident to the ED for an eval. The ED looked the resident up in their EMR by the hospital number on the bracelet and treated and medicated the resident. Unfortunately, it was discovered after the fact that the resident had someone else's name band on and just received an antibiotic he was allergic to. The facility was in huge trouble. In the end it was discovered that the resident who was supposed to have been wearing that band must have slipped it off. Then this resident with dementia comes along, finds a bracelet and slips it on. No one knew. Then trouble hit. In LTC once you get to know the resident you dont check the bracelet every time. So you can see how it can potentially get missed for a few days. I saw this happen twice at that facility and they did away with the bands and went to picture and ask another staff member to identify someone.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

If we send someone out to the hospital, we make sure they have a name tag. Inhouse we use a picture on the computer.