Would like your input as a RN if your hospital has room service

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

Nursing team--I have been a RN for many years. Our hospital has decided to embrace the concept of room service (although I know that some of you may feel--hospital first hotel second--many patients do eat more nutrioously for wound healing when the patient can pick his own meals. Evidenced based research tends to support this). I am hoping for those RN out there whose hospitals have room service--you all can give me some guidance on issues you have had concerning patient room service. Any helpful hints that would help both the nursing team and dietitians as we begin our quest. Pro and cons of the system and if you ahd ulimited powers--what would you fix...

AS you have figured --I am the RN on the room service team :-).

Thank you in advacne for your help

Specializes in Pediatric Cardiology.

Patients aren't allowed to sway from their diets at my facility. Our kitchen is very strict. I got an order for orange soda the other day, it felt very weird to request that from our MD! Diabetics only can order a certain number of carbs at each meal.

Meds are usually not a problem. Give on an empty stomach are scheduled for 7AM which is before the kitchen opens. Before meals is sometimes tricky if the patient is on a weird schedule. Insulin is a sliding scale, techs get FS when patient's order and depending on the number I give the patient their insulin just before they eat. Occasionally it's late but I just state "late breakfast/lunch/dinner" and it never seems to be a problem.

The only diet that is delivery time specific is clear liquids, they have a standard tray they send with each meal.

I appreciate all your comments and suggestions. We are planning to make our room service the best possible for our Veterans

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