Date, Time, Initials on IVPB

[SarahEAW]

We are having some hand-off issues between pre-op nurses and OR staff who need to know what time antibiotics were hung. In my previous institution we always timed, dated, & intialed any IV bag we hung. It is not required by policy where I work now.

What is the standard where you practice?

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

It really depends on the charting system and hand off system that you use.

If you use a chart that stays with the patient just prepare a form that you can tape to the chart and note the hang time of the antibiotic

:cat:Have a sticker made that states antibiotic: date and time_________...then fill it out and stick it on the bag or stick it to the tubing...pick a bright color..these companies will make up anything you request or just use a sticky note and stick it right on the bag and you do not have to worry about writing directly on IV bags

Chart it and they will have to look for it on the MAR or EMar...is that where the problem is ? I do not understand why they just don't look for it in the charting

When the patient is handed off to the OR staff tell them what time the abx was hung

Use the IV pole and make a card with a loop that you can loop on with the date and time you hung it

If I knew the process and how and why they are not getting the info I can think of more