I'm doing some information gathering to try to find out what the policies are in other facilities for writing names (LAST, baby's first, mother's first) on the crib card.
Our policy (not written) was to put "Smith, Boy Sally" on the card and I liked to use a Sharpie (my pref). We were not allowed to put the baby's first name on the card (manager's rule). As our security became better (locked doors, electronic banding...) we started writing the baby's name in quotes "Johnny" just so we could call the baby by name. I also felt this helped if the baby's last name was not the same as Mom's...by putting "Johnny Robert" on the card (if they have been named) helps the parents.
Anyway, we really don't have any current policy on crib cards. I'd love to get some feedback on how other hospitals write their CC. We usually use the pre-printed Similac type cards "I'm a Girl" although I'd love to have our OWN card with our hospital name on it.
1. How do you write the names (first,last,mom's, baby's) on the CC?
2. What type of CC do you use?
We are a small 14 bed LDRP. Our nursery isn't open unless we have to. The babies spend most of the time in the room. (If any of this impacts what you do)
My Unit is split into well-baby and NICU/PICU. Of course the NICU and PICU admits don't ever leave the unit unless we are getting ready to d/c and are doing a parents-in-attendance prior to sending them home. RE the last names on chart spines, we were able to keep them as-is after we got a special cart on which to keep all our charts...it has a closing cover/gate on the front that covers all the charts and keeps them out of sight until needed.
In the well-baby unit we use the generic Enfamil blue and pink cards with last names only and boy or girl. Mother's Dr, Baby's Dr and date/time of delivery along with measurments of baby are included and only written with ball point pen so it would be difficult to read if not very close to the crib. Mom's room # and whether bottle or breast fed is also included. We went through a time when they would not allow the window shades to be opened for baths or diaper changes due to HIPPA policy, however that did not last very long at all. Now the curtains are open during the day excepting procedures, Dr's rounds and etc...Our administration is currently formulating a policy on cameras, phone cams and pictures/videos in delivery rooms & through nursery windows and so on so we'll see if things change in that regard. Right now there is no standing rule except that parents have to consent to others taking photos prior to it being allowed.
Our unit is also closed with tight security (HUGs electronic bands are applied shortly after delivery, and only nursing staff with appropriate visible ID are to transport infants to and from parent rooms). We also use a verbal password system so that parents know the person coming to pick up their infant is truly who they say they are to prevent abductions. Our babies spend much time with parents on a flexible schedule and parents are instructed to keep babies in the room with them at all times--only nursing staff may bring them in and out. Infants are ideally only in the nursery for VS, wts, baths, Dr's rounds and procedures, although this varies depending on the situation (ie: if a recent CS mom has no one to help with the baby or is too groggy with pain meds to functionally care for infant).
Our policy is also much in need of review and my director is currenlty working on that with about 10 jillion other irons in the fire as well so it could be a while before we see any changes. Hope this helps!!
Good for you guys,you still have crib cards.. In our hospital this is big issue and discussion. They remove it as our managers want only ID bracelet as identifiers. Crib cards serves as locator for us to match with mom's room before leaving nursery or to avoid opening babies unnecessary just to check their ID and identify with viewers.
Can you please share your views about this and how important is crib card in nursery ? Thanks
Good for you guys,you still have crib cards.. In our hospital this is big issue and discussion. They remove it as our managers want only ID bracelet as identifiers. Crib cards serves as locator for us to match with mom's room before leaving nursery or to avoid opening babies unnecessary just to check their ID and identify with viewers.
Can you please share your views about this and how important is crib card in nursery ? Thanks
5 years ago when I had my twins the only thing the crib cards said was "I'm a Girl" or "I'm a Boy" and the room# nothing else - OT but it was funny when they'd put the two of them in the crib (mine are b/g) I have pictures of my daughter in a crib with a card that says "I'm a Boy"
We have scrapbook-like crib cards that the staff make. We put the baby's first name on there and on the back of it is their ID label for med scanning and blood bank sticker. Where I used to work, we would ask in writing if it was okay to post the baby's name at their bedside but here we just do it.
We have blue and pink crib cards that we print in our print shop. They go like this:
Lastname, Baby Boy/Girl
DOB Time of birth
Weight Length
We do make decorative cards with the baby's first name only on it and hang it on the beds. We would not do this if a family had a problem with having their baby's name displayed, but that rarely happens.
Level III NICU, our crib cards are just "crafty" ones the nurses or secretaries make unique for each baby with scrapbook paper & stickers, markers, etc. Parents love it as it individualizes the babies. I've even had some parents ask if they can make their baby a name card :)
we also have a dry erase board at the bedside with the current neonatologist, NNP, and RN on duty and sometimes we include the daily weights if parents are ok with that.
missapoo
28 Posts
My Unit is split into well-baby and NICU/PICU. Of course the NICU and PICU admits don't ever leave the unit unless we are getting ready to d/c and are doing a parents-in-attendance prior to sending them home. RE the last names on chart spines, we were able to keep them as-is after we got a special cart on which to keep all our charts...it has a closing cover/gate on the front that covers all the charts and keeps them out of sight until needed.
In the well-baby unit we use the generic Enfamil blue and pink cards with last names only and boy or girl. Mother's Dr, Baby's Dr and date/time of delivery along with measurments of baby are included and only written with ball point pen so it would be difficult to read if not very close to the crib. Mom's room # and whether bottle or breast fed is also included. We went through a time when they would not allow the window shades to be opened for baths or diaper changes due to HIPPA policy, however that did not last very long at all. Now the curtains are open during the day excepting procedures, Dr's rounds and etc...Our administration is currently formulating a policy on cameras, phone cams and pictures/videos in delivery rooms & through nursery windows and so on so we'll see if things change in that regard. Right now there is no standing rule except that parents have to consent to others taking photos prior to it being allowed.
Our unit is also closed with tight security (HUGs electronic bands are applied shortly after delivery, and only nursing staff with appropriate visible ID are to transport infants to and from parent rooms). We also use a verbal password system so that parents know the person coming to pick up their infant is truly who they say they are to prevent abductions. Our babies spend much time with parents on a flexible schedule and parents are instructed to keep babies in the room with them at all times--only nursing staff may bring them in and out. Infants are ideally only in the nursery for VS, wts, baths, Dr's rounds and procedures, although this varies depending on the situation (ie: if a recent CS mom has no one to help with the baby or is too groggy with pain meds to functionally care for infant).
Our policy is also much in need of review and my director is currenlty working on that with about 10 jillion other irons in the fire as well so it could be a while before we see any changes. Hope this helps!!