This is a good example (especially since no serious harm was done) of why room number is never a valid patient indentifier.
I agree that there needs to be a set procedure established for checkin for 3rd party caregivers. For example: they check in the front desk for a visitor's badge and they are directed to the correct nurses station. They talk with the nurse (not a rec aide, not someone from dietary, not a CNA--the licensed nurse on that unit). The caregiver states "I am Susan Smith, a caregiver from XYZ agency. I am here for resident Agnes Andrews, birthday June 3, 1921." The caregiver shows proper identification. The nurse walks the caregiver to the correct room.
Dec 29, '12 by psu_213This is a good example (especially since no serious harm was done) of why room number is never a valid patient indentifier.