policies

[erwigg]

while at work, i overheard one nurse say to another ". . .well, we should get that into a company policy, or otherwise some else won't know that's the med assistant's job not the nurses' job . . . ."

afew days later i got a call from my supervisor stating that any the routing slips for the items going to be sterizing have to be in a zip lock bag because of policy. after that, another call saying a specific ziplock was listed in the policy not the one i had used.

another time i made a second appt for a pt who was in the exam room for another appt because a second issue required a different appt. when i made the appt, i just went ahead and checked the person in. i was called on the carpet r/t checking the person in b/c that wasn't my job and policy required the pt to check themselves in at the front. . . basically the pt would have to take off the gown, get dressed walk out, get into line check in wait in the waiting room then called back into the exam room

some times i feel i work for a machine that just churns and moves slowly and pt care is done in that fashion

has any one else run to policies at work that seem too much or lack common sense? how has any one worked around some things with out trouble? i know there are process needed but i feel sometimes that actions are mainly based on processes and policies

any thoughts?

[RNandRRT]

I agree. However this is the nature of JCAHO.

Anything that is done within the hospital has to be done within set policy and procedures of that particular hospital. That's what they look for.

2 hospitals may have 2 different ways of doing something, but if eacy does it based on their facility specific policy/procedure, JCAHO is happy. If it's not done by P & P, that's when the hospital gets dinged.

[firedup]

BEWARE you are ultimately responsible for your pts care. I was involved in a case that went to an arbitration and the review panel acknowledged that the hospital didn't follow their own guidlines. However, the panel found in favor of the hospital stating policies aren't law and are only guidelines.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

All organizations with policies also have defined mechanisms to manage them... including making updates when needed.

The OP has some very valid points. I would suggest getting involved in the process by submitting a 'change/update' request (may be called something different) through the appropriate channel. My organization gets these types of requests all the time, and most of the time, they are incorporated into the next review/revision for the policy. Beware though - you may get asked to participate in the review. IMNO, that would be a very good thing... we need more *real nurses* involved in the development and review of policies!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Just make sure there is a cover sheet on your TPS reports!

[brownbook]

Why does this post (at least on my all nurses site today) have Dec. 21 2009? Someone please stop messing with my head, I am seriously worried that I have Alzheimer disease!!!!!

Is this current? I do have some issues with "policies." If I can just remember what they are???????