I am working on an infection control initiative in my NICU and I was wondering what other NICUs do about rings. I am new to this unit, but came from a unit that does not allow rings at all. My new unit allows all rings.
My other question was isolette covers. How frequently do you change them? Here we only change them if they fall on the floor.
ANY help with these questions would be wonderful. If anyone knows of any good infection control resources that would be an awesome bonus as well.
Our unit has changed a lot regarding fabric care since we sent samples to infection control. There were LOTS of germs growing on the sheets and other things close to the baby, even if it was just washed. One baby actually had mold growing on her back, and that was the thing that started the whole investigation.......
Anna
Yup us too. our unit recently outlawed our little stash of donated clothing because the laundry was such an issue. We still take the clean clothes when donated but they stay with that kid, the parents have to take them home and wash. And no, no rings allowed, ever.
Specializes in Neonatal nursing (paediatric trained).
The only jewelry below the elbows on our unit is a plain wedding band. I've never seen any staff with acrylic nails, long nails or nail polish - it's just common sense really. Same goes for hair - anyone with long hair ties it back.
I'm American and never thought about it before moving to the UK - but why is the US ok with wrist watches in a medical environment? I'd never go back to that now. In the UK, nearly everyone wears a fob watch if they have a watch at all.
Although, when not nursing, I have to consciously remind myself to look at my wrist to check the time - I'm sure it looks odd to strangers and friends that I automatically look at my left boob when I want to know the time!
What exactly makes a wedding band acceptable and not other rings? We definitely do no rings in our unit, along with no watches, or other anything below the elbows. Unless your wedding band has a magical germ-free bubble around it... :)
Specializes in Neonatal nursing (paediatric trained).
Not excusing it, but I suppose it's assumed that a smooth wedding band can easily be washed whereas a ring with stones and grooves can harbour more bacteria. Incidentally, I am not married so therefore wear no rings whatsoever when at work.
UTVOL3
281 Posts
Yup us too. our unit recently outlawed our little stash of donated clothing because the laundry was such an issue. We still take the clean clothes when donated but they stay with that kid, the parents have to take them home and wash. And no, no rings allowed, ever.