Three minute scrub?

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Mar 8, 2006

We don't do the 3 minute scrub anymore. Parents are required to wash their hands with medistat scrub when they enter the unit and if the leave and re-enter. They can use Purell if they touch something at the bedside and then want to touch the baby. All visitors also wash hands upon entering. We quit using cover gowns about 15 years ago....infection control did a big study and found it didn't make a difference. The only kids that we gown for are reverse isolated or isolated. We are pretty up on making sure everyone, staff included, do good handwashing.

Our visitation:

Parents have 24 hour visitation, but have to leave for report and rounds. Grandparents may visit without them between the hours of 10a and 8p. No info can be given to them except the weight and a general they are okay, they had a good day. Their name must be at the desk and they have to have ID with them, no exceptions. Siblings have to be over the age of 3, can visit once daily for 30 minutes. Parents may bring in 2 extra visitors in addition to GP's. We allow 3 people at a bedside. No one except GPs can visit without a parent. No calls except from parents and or legal guardians. Must have band number. Parents must also have band and photo ID if band is off, no exceptions. As for hats...we don't care, sometimes it is better than looking at an icky head :lol2: Kids can have up to 2 small stuffed animals in their bed. They may have religious medallions.

We are pretty good about always enforcing the rules, but there are a few that don't follow them and let parents do what ever. Makes for fun when you are the nurse the next day :angryfire

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Mar 8, 2006

We went to a 30 second hand wash last year, but recently went back to that and covergowns after one of our babes came down with RSV. As he was too sick to be held, I don't think the lack of covergowns made any difference. :rolleyes:

Thanks for your input.:)

nurse_snoopy · Mar 9, 2006

I work in Montreal.

Our parents are allowed at all times 24/7. They must wash their hands with antibacterial soap (the same kind we use) and take off all jewelry (rings, watch, bracelets). Coats get left outside of the unit.

They can wash their hands or use Purel when they're on the unit.

They must show their hospital bracelet at the door, and have it handy at all times. If they donot have the bracelet, they need to show a government issued photo ID and will have to bring their bracelet on their next visit.

We do not use gowns unless the baby is in isolation.

:nono: No one can touch or hold the babies except for the parents (and obviously medical staff).

:) Grandparents and siblings (of any age) can visit anytime provided they're accompanied by one of the parents. Other children cannot come and visit, unless they're over 12 years of age.

Visitors can come from 1:30-2:30 pm and 7:30-8:30 pm. They too must wash their hands and take off their jewelry, even though they're not touching the baby.

Only the parents can get info on the baby.

MegNeoNurse · Mar 14, 2006

Our NICU has a 2 minute scrub, up to the elbows with the sterile brushes. Parents are expected to do a full scrub EACH TIME they enter the unit. If they walk out of the unit for 1 minute to talk on their cell phone, they must scrub again, for example.

We do not use covergowns, unless the parents reek like cigarette smoke (which unfortunately many of them do, to think of those poor little lungs trying to breath in a house like that!) This is a suggestion, not yet policy but it is under discussion.

Hats are allowed. Visitor policy is no visitors under 12 years of age unless they are siblings. Otherwise all siblings are welcome in. UNLESS ITS RSV SEASON. During RSV season, no siblings under age 6 may enter the NICU. Visitors are only allowed in if they are with parents (4 to a bed-side, including twins who are in separate bassonetts) or visitors are allowed in w/out parents if they are listed by parents on a visitation form that is on front of baby's chart. Anyone is welcome to hold baby if parents are present.

Jerico, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2006

Our parents/visitors must wash, take off rings, too. No cover gowns, though if some dad or mom comes in filthy we can tell them to go take a bath and or wear gown (common sense cases).

No kids under 3, sibs or no. Grandparents allowed.

We are closed at shift changes: 0615-0730; 1415-1530; 2215-2330. We have 12 hour shift changes and 8 hour shift changes.

Moms/Dads are allowed in all night; relatives only between 0800-2000.

No one is allowed in during the shift change hours - not even nursing moms.

tracy6fan · Mar 31, 2006

Our policy is nearly the same as CSM's. We do allow siblings any time of the year unless they're sick. 2-4 at a bedside depending on census and what's going on in the unit at the time. All visitors have to be with a parent unless there's an extenuating circumstance (like no participating father and mom is in ICU), each situation is considered individually.

Information about the baby is only given to parents. We give them a 4 digit code on admission (last 4 digits of account#) that allows them to visit and call for information. Updated code lists are printed out daily and placed by the phones. Most anyone who answers the phone will ask for the parent's code before getting the nurse. We implemented this about a year ago and it's worked out well for us. Parents appreciate the extra security too.

jess_m · Jun 22, 2006

EVERYONE does a 3 minute scrub and wears a gown when holding the babies. We don't allow visitors under 12 and those must be a sibling and accompanied by a parent.

prmenrs, RN · Jun 22, 2006

I'm happy if they just wash their hands!

lovemyjob · Jun 22, 2006

Everyone does a three minute scrub when they enter (there is a clock at the sink.) No on ecan visit fro 7-8 AM/PM. Parents list four people ho can visit w/o them being present. Parents can bring a visitor who is not on the list, but the four on the visitor list cannot bring an extra visitor. Info is only given to mom and dad. Siblings can visit at any age but they must bring an up-to-date shot record. Each person on the list provides a photo ID, which is photocopied and left at the desk and is checked by the clerks when they enter. Gowns are only required for isolation. Cant remember RSV rules. OH, and only 2 visitors at the bedside at one time except when the baby is being taken off life support.