Joint Commission riding with me Thursday! Any advice?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

Ive been one of the lucky ones chosen to have Joint Commission ride with me on Thursday. :stone:smackingf I dread this so bad. I have to do a PICC drsg change, teaching, etc. Now Ive done this a thousand times, but anyone know of any no-no's that they look for? I dont want to cost my agency points. Anything that I definitely need to know or say or do? Im so nervous! Ive only been doing homehealth now about 4 months so Im still kinda learning. When I worked in the hospital, I was always one of the lucky ones who dodged the bullet. Now I guess Im making up for it. Anyone ever had them ride with you? What can I expect? Oh my, Im so thankful Im on vacation next week. I will surely need it to recover.

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Just stay calm...

Review your agencies P&P regarding PICC dressings. Remember standard precautions, especially handwashing, review proper bag technique and sterile procedure. Bring extra supplies with you just in case. Make sure you're familiar with the pt's POC. Use humor (appropriately) to defuse a stressful situation.

Usually JC will meet you at the home, but just in case make sure your car is clean, with designated clean/dirty areas in the trunk.

Smile, be friendly but remember they are not your friend. Be professional.

If they ask you a question you can't answer, be honest, but let them know you know where to find the answer.

I haven't been with a JC accredited agency in a while, but familiarize yourself with whatever their latest pet project is (med reconciliation, pt identification, whatever).

You will be fine.

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Keep in mind the 2009 patient safety goals and also remember to ask the patient for their name and birthdate before you do any invasive procedures.

Follow your policies, clean your bag and use proper bag technique, wash your hands correctly and at the proper times and you should be okay.

We are waiting for our survey which is to be scheduled any time between now and February i think.....

Good luck and may the force be with you!

Keep us posted on how things go!

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Patient Safety!!!......Patient Safety!!!....Patient Safety!!!..... You cannot go wrong with those words. Also, the Joint Commission knows that you simply cannot know all the answers. So, if they ask you something that you aren't too sure of.....you should say something like...."I would ask my nurse manager first", or "I would refer to the Policy Manual for that". Believe it or not, they are more interested in safety than anything else. I think most people would agree......

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

Well, its over. whew. It wasnt bad at all! But then again, I was the last one she was with so she was probably glad to get the day over with. But she didnt ask me many questions. The only thing that was "wrong" was that I forgot to use hand sanitizer between glove changes. And she said "that was just a minor thing, we wont sweat the little stuff". I was shocked. Im happy its over though. i was sweating bullets. Thanks guys for all your words of advice! I read them over and over before today. Thanks again!

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Well, its over. whew. It wasnt bad at all! But then again, I was the last one she was with so she was probably glad to get the day over with. But she didnt ask me many questions. The only thing that was "wrong" was that I forgot to use hand sanitizer between glove changes. And she said "that was just a minor thing, we wont sweat the little stuff". I was shocked. Im happy its over though. i was sweating bullets. Thanks guys for all your words of advice! I read them over and over before today. Thanks again!

Congratulations!!! Just one question, did you have to wash hands with soap and water before the start of the procedure or was hand sanitizer OK?

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Good for you! Enjoy your vacation... so jealous...

:onbch:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

Hand sanitizer was ok. In most of my houses, soap/water isnt an option and I think they understand that. I used hand sanitizer as soon as I entered the home.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, Home Health, Case Management.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I, agree enjoy your vacation! :yeah:

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