advice for barcode scanning of infants

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2010

We don't have the barcode on the infant...it is always on the left side of the isolette in the upper right hand corner and requires the verification of two nurses that must initial it before it is placed and every time it is moved and re-taped when isolettes are changed.

That is what we scan for meds...you are very correct, ridiculous to keep disturbing the infant, especially swaddled babies in withdrawal or touch-me-nots.

Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2010

We also keep our barcoded ID bands taped to the isolette/warmer/what-have-you, unless the baby's going out of the unit (to OR or MRI, for example), in which case s/he gets banded directly, on two different extremities.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Mar 28, 2010

We band the baby as well (in two extremeties) but also have a third barcoded ID band taped inside the isolette facing out. Same thing for cribs. We never disturb an infant if we must scan it for something. Initially, we confirm the bands with a parent and confirm and co-sign with another nurse.

wjf00 · Mar 28, 2010

Same problem where I work.

Typical situation where the "Joint Commission" works against good nursing care/judgement.

The bedside nurse weighs: Pt needs uninterupted rest periods to facilitate growth and developement vs risk of Med error.

One size does not fit all, so the bedside nurse considers med given (Glycerin suppository vs Dopamine) vs individual patient needs, and makes an individualized decision.

Not the JC, they just issue a 'one size fits all directive' without considering individual patient care needs.

Blame the JC for this one, they want the band on the patient-period.

Frankly, when those idiots come around, I tell them to get lost, I have patient care to do and they are in the way.

jlb_rn · Mar 30, 2010

we don't use barcodes, but unless the patient is off the unit for testing (in which case they do get an ID band on their person), their identification is attached to their ekg leads so that it can be positioned outside of any blankets / clothes / swaddling devices / etc for checking as necessary without disturbing the baby.

mlizhev · Mar 30, 2010

Hi!
I am a NICU nurse in a level 3 NICU. We started scanning barcoads for meds/labs about 1 year ago. However, it is currently our policy to put the barcode on a bracelet that is attached to the infant's ankle or wrist. This means that we have to disturb the infant to scan. Just wondering what other NICU's are doing. If you could let me know what hospital you are at & how you are handling this, I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Kim

Hi Kim,

We have been using barcodes for quite sometime and yest the band needs to be on the baby. Although annoying we are identifying the baby and not another item like the crib. This is a big JCAHO strike! We have gotten creative with some and put it around the outside of their clothes while their tiny enough, or added additional bands to make the loop a little longer and easier to get to. And still there are those that put it on the pulse ox.

dawnebeth · Mar 31, 2010

We have a soft posey type band on the baby's foot with their name and MR number, but that cannot be scanned. There is a scannable barcode on the side of the bed and also on the chart. We usually scan the chart barcode.

No, never wake the baby!!

NeoNurseTX, RN · Apr 4, 2010

Our barcodes are on the back of the baby's name cards and that is what we scan. The baby also has an ID band on, but not scannable.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Apr 4, 2010

We have the barcode on the ID but we don't use it, we use one we put on the bed. That way we are covered if they do a spot inspection for barcodes. Stupid, yes, the law of the land yes...

asdjkl · Apr 8, 2010

we have a bar code bracelet on the infant (unless it's a new micro).

then, we also have a bar code bracelet on the baby's lead cable or pulse ox cable.

that way, we can easily scan the bracelet tied to the baby's cable without disturbing the baby.

RN4Little1s · Apr 16, 2010

We have the soft band on the baby that has a place to loop through the laminated-type ID band. Most of us put it on their lower extremities and on the outside of any clothing they have. If bundling the baby, it is easy to pull out the looped ID band from the blanket so that it can always be used to scan! I am getting into better habit of doing this because it is so handy! If there is an extra ID band in their chart though.... I use this. Just make sure to actually read it and identify your patient!