unit Rules

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Feb 23, 2005

I am interested in knowing rules of various units. i.e. DaVita, Gambro, FMC, RCG, independent, etc.
1. Are family members allowed with patient during put on and take off?
2. Do your units do access flow testing, and, if so, what type?
3. Do staff adhere to infection control practices, in reality, i.e. washing hands between patients, or between touching machines if gloves are not worn, washing hands before and after gloving?
thanks, trying to get a complete understanding of this dialysis culture as I see it. Trying to sort out alot about healthcare. Thanks.

No . Family members are NOT allowed to be on the floor when patients are being put on or taken off. Nor are the dietician or social worker for that matter. Too much blood flying around.

Yes, we do access flow testing.

We do NOT allow our patients (or staff) to eat/drink on the floor or on the machines while dialyzing..

Yes we are conscientious about infection control and cross contamination. Sometimes it is more pressing to get to the patient in a hypotensive crises or one who has lost his grip on his access or his needle has come out and is bleeding all over the floor than to stand and wash your hands prior to slipping on a clean pair of gloves.. unless of course your hands are soiled or you were involved with the blood of another patient at the time prior.

If you really want a thorough understanding of dialysis "culture", I recommend shadowing a nurse for a month or two, and see it from both perspectives.. the patient's AND the staff member's.

leslie :-D · Feb 24, 2005

I am interested in knowing rules of various units. i.e. DaVita, Gambro, FMC, RCG, independent, etc.
1. Are family members allowed with patient during put on and take off?
2. Do your units do access flow testing, and, if so, what type?
3. Do staff adhere to infection control practices, in reality, i.e. washing hands between patients, or between touching machines if gloves are not worn, washing hands before and after gloving?
thanks, trying to get a complete understanding of this dialysis culture as I see it. Trying to sort out alot about healthcare. Thanks.

perhaps you'd get more detailed and comprehensive information by writing to each of these companies. i'm sure they'd be more than willing to answer your questions.

leslie

imperial · Feb 24, 2005

perhaps you'd get more detailed and comprehensive information by writing to each of these companies. i'm sure they'd be more than willing to answer your questions.
leslie

I appreciate hearing from those who are working directly with patients. Often, as you might know, the companies will provide information that is 'ideally' to be done but in the 'real' world is not done. Hearing from those of you with experience is a learning experience for me as well being able to share and exchange information. Often in speaking with several staff from different companies, even within one company there are variances in many policies and procedures. many.

nosonew, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2005

I appreciate hearing from those who are working directly with patients. Often, as you might know, the companies will provide information that is 'ideally' to be done but in the 'real' world is not done. Hearing from those of you with experience is a learning experience for me as well being able to share and exchange information. Often in speaking with several staff from different companies, even within one company there are variances in many policies and procedures. many.

Actually Imperial, I would be happy to answer those questions.

To be blunt, we follow all policies, procedures and protocols put in place. I would be interested to know what your experience is with dialysis and if you work for any of the mentioned companies, and if so, in what capacity. Thanks.

leslie :-D · Feb 24, 2005

actually you've peaked our curiosity and in another thread i asked you where you work and what you do.....for some reason you didn't answer that. i think many of us would relax if we knew more about you since you're asking all these questions.

leslie

imperial · Feb 24, 2005

I am a RN who has never worked as a dialysis nurse. I do not, nor have I ever worked for any dialysis company. I research on various healthcare issues. Knowing some who are dialysis patients, my own curiousity has been tweeked after hearing various stories of delivery of care situations. I hope this satisfies your request for information. Any websites you can give for education would be appreciated. I have read, downloaded and printed all kinds of information from company sites to CMS site to advocacy groups.

a thirst for more education is like a cold glass of water on a hot day!

imperial · Feb 24, 2005

Earle.............

Namaste'

imperial · Feb 24, 2005

actually you've peaked our curiosity and in another thread i asked you where you work and what you do.....for some reason you didn't answer that. i think many of us would relax if we knew more about you since you're asking all these questions.
leslie

Goodness, should I even ask why you would make a statement i.e. 'many of us would relax if we knew more about you'.. I am not a spy for a company and, in fact, even if I were, I don't know who you are or where you work, what state, etc etc.. So it would not matter. However, I can see your view and appreicate your sharing same.

leslie :-D · Feb 24, 2005

Goodness, should I even ask why you would make a statement i.e. 'many of us would relax if we knew more about you'.. I am not a spy for a company and, in fact, even if I were, I don't know who you are or where you work, what state, etc etc.. So it would not matter. However, I can see your view and appreicate your sharing same.

the difference being is that if i were a spy, i am not inundating you with questions, interrogation-style and making allegations against certain co's and putting nurses on the defense.

may i suggest that if you wish to find out more about dialysis, go to google. you'll get more information than you ever dreamed of.

good luck.

imperial · Feb 24, 2005

Goodness, goodness goodness.... and what would the DL say? I would now have to wonder what all your own paranoia is about. Your choice of words - interrogation, etc. seem a little overdone. When one can't answer questions of one who is interested in knowing more about 'their' expertise (supposedly) then one must wonder. Actualy, when I apologized I felt I was being nice about it... but obviously, my questions have brought up whatever issues/practices might be 'sore subjects' with you all. Or as one person who emailed me stated........"maybe you have touched on ground that should not be touched upon............... When people get defensive about questions, or feel it is an interrogation, of sorts, one has to wonder what is going on within that person that it makes them so very very uncomfortable to answer. So, I would pose to you, in this last post here, "What makes you so uncomfortable and why? Has something been asked that makes you feel the way you do and why? That is the question, WHY? I would have to wonder that if you 'all' get so upset with questions that my question would be "Do you have something to hide relating to what I have asked?" And, the choice of words, i.e. 'allegations'. obviously you do not understand that word. Again, any statements of what I made have been witnessed or verbally given to me.

What are you afraid of? thnk about it. Obviously there is no 'inner peace' when one is so paranoid. Namaste' p.s. for anyone reading this one certainly has to wonder why those expertised at this can't answer questions without feeling so defensive? I believe this is perhaps what happens in units when patients ask questions, techs/nurses are not educated enough to answer questions then they become defensive and patients are the ones who suffer..... This is a long standing thought within many in the field.

leslie :-D · Feb 24, 2005

imperial,

you don't work for the board of nsg., dept of public health or its' equivalent, do you?

leslie