patient identifiers

We still need to use two patient identifiers. We have a picture of every resident in the MAR and a name on the door. Our residents don't like wearing name bracelets...when I have to pass meds which, thankfully, isn't often, I rely on the other staff to tell me who is who.

The facility is currently updating pictures which will help!

I have created a cheat sheet to help keep me on track. List of what vitals I need, labs to be f/u on, wound care, who needs blood sugars I need to monitor, I/O's, what staff is working and what unit. Each day after report, I sit down and make my list of what needs to be done . In LTC, most residents do not have bracelets on but have names on their w/c and clothes. Being new, it will take time to get know everyone. Even a confused resident can tell you their name (most of them). When in doubt, ask another nurse. Always keep in your pocket

a pen, black sharpie, medical tape, pin light, wound measure guide ( they look like small paper rulers) and scissors. Oh and a small note pad.

Thank you. Worked on the floor today...even with pictures it is rough...there are alot of grey headed ladies with glasses!! Lol! I appreciate the ideas to keep on hand...I need to make a cheat sheet of bs checks and med times ; )

Make a list that includes: FBS, BP's, O2's, etc so that you can grab those as you go.

I personally run and get needed vitals and FBS's before my med pass so that I have that info handy. It's easier to get those values while they're still in their rooms or in a group. Once mealtime happens, and therapies or activities gets to them it takes a lot longer to get the data you need and wastes valuable time.

I "love" it when asking a staff member who "Mrs. Smith" is. "The grey-haired lady with glasses in the w/c." (...surveys the sea of grey-haired, bespectacled ladies in a w/c...) smh lol.