Preventing return to hospital transfers

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What programs/ strategies is your facility implementing to prevent return to hospital transfers?

The facility I work at is currently focusing on early intervention/ thorough assessments, using clinical pathways, and utilizing all of our available resources appropriately.

Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

Blackcat99- The "when in doubt, send 'em out" is quite prevalent. I think the key is to stop using that adage because it isn't the truth. You said that you checked her out- you assessed her, and had reason to believe it was something else- THAT alone is a great reason to send the patient out- it wasn't "when in doubt". You were reasonably sure, based on your nursing judgment, that there was a cardiac issue. I think you did the right thing, but just dont sell yourself short. Saying, "When in doubt, send them out," you are discrediting your assessment skills. Good job!

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

But who taught you "when in doubt, send them out"? In the case you describe above, they did need sent out but for everyone of those there is usually 2-3 more that didn't need to go. Makes me think of a nurse that sent a resident out at 1am because she felt a soft lump in the residents abd. This resident was sleeping & asymptomatic but forced out of bed & across town to get diagnosised with the same hernia she'd had for years. Family & Dr. Not thrilled & made us look like complete idiots.

Your DON should have your back on that one. Always will have physcians and family but your DON should support your "if in doubt send them out".

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