what are some liability considerations for home care

[~magnolia~]

Hi, this is my first time going to a client's home for wound care, specifically to remove staples. Over the phone, my boss told me to "cover myself" and that she doesn't want a "liability" and watch out for liability. So this got me thinking about what are some liability considerations in home care as a nurse.

[Davey Do]

One thing that pops into my mind, magnolia, that I experienced while in the position of an NS in HH, albeit was about 25 years ago, is nurses having a doctor's order before performing a procedure.

I realized visiting nurses were on a time restraint and some procedures like blood draws, could be drawn and the doctor's order obtained later. However, there was one really good nurse who would perform procedures which were questionable and could be put off until a doctor's order was obtained.

Sticky wicket.

[Daisy4RN]

Are you new to HH or just new to removing staples. For the patient same as anywhere else. Have you been specifically trained to remove staples, in your p/p, MD order, make sure you document etc. I would ask your boss what s/he meant by that remark. But, just off the top of my head I would say just remember you are in the pt's home (not a clinic/hospital etc), only treat the pt (not family/friends and some do ask), and use appropriate use of cleanliness, use chux to put down supplies etc. 

[~magnolia~]

I am new to home care. I have removed staples before, under supervision. I have not received any training no, but I have read up on the procedure to refresh my memory just in case I forgot something.

[~magnolia~]

do I need an order to apply otc antisepectic such as chlorhexidine to the site before removal.