How do you inventory pt valuables?

icie rn, ADN, RN · Jul 22, 2007

Most units have an inventory sheet listing different objects and you simply write down the number of "shirts, socks, underwear that person has". The sheet should always be marks/labeled with patients name. If there are objects that are not allowed on unit them send them to lockup or keep them in designated area until a family member is leaving and give them to family to take home. There should be a note you can attach to chart signed by family they recieved these items. I list on the inventory list if something is damaged, torn, or if clothes are dirty and need washing.

kclarke4 · Jul 22, 2007

:uhoh3:Please share how you inventory pt valuables at the time of admission. I need a method that can be utilized from adm TO dc....so when a pt needs a valuable during their hospitalization, it is accurately recorded as removed and again recorded when returned. This has been an ongoing issue. I am trying to keep it simple.
Piper12

We use an inventory sheet. Once items are placed inthe "locked" storage patients are not permitted access untill discharge. We limit their clothing to 3 outfits. We have a washer and dryer on the unit for pt. use. Pts. sign the inventory upon admission and again at discharge acknowledging receipt of belongings. In addition, there is a hospital safe for jewelry, money, car keys, etc. There is a valuable envelope with a number. This is recorded on the inventory sheet in case the valuable envelope receipt gets misplaced. If a pt. needs to send valuables home the pt. signs on the envelope in the appropriate space . The envelope is held at the nurses desk until the visitor picks it up. We coordinate the removal of the envelope from the safe when we know the visitor is arriving, this decreases the chances of the envelope getting misplaced or "lifted".

As far as certain toiletries. These are items that contain no alcohol. They are kept in a cabinet at the nurses desk in a bin with the pt's name. There are specific times for "bin access" so therapy is not missed.

If additional items are brought in they are inventoried on a separate inventory form. Also, any items brought in that have strings are given back to the visitor, as well as lighters, matches, perfume, etc. We found it easier to go through the items with the patient and the deliverer and immediately have those dissallowed items sent off the unit with the deliverer rather than take responsibility for storage.

Hope this helps

kristen38 · Jul 25, 2007

On my unit each patient has a locker in their room that is locked with a pad lock. When the patient arrives in the unit (most often already in hopsital PJ's) all of there stuff goes into the locker. They can keep their toothbrush and stuff (razors are locked in a room with really small bins). Once the doctor orders that they can have their clothes their lockers are opened for them.

I never take patient wallets, health cards, or anything else valuable. Too many things go missing when that happens and I don't like being blamed for it. I tell them to keep it in their locker, or give it to a family member.

The lockers seems to work really well in the 8 months I have been there no one has been able to break into their locker.

Kristen