Updating CNA care cards

[MDSlady]

Hi All....

Just a FYI and maybe some feedback on a new policy that we have started in our facility on updating resident care cards.

We keep a care card for every resident in their nightstand (not that anyone looks at them) but state requirement that everyone has one.

We have begun to make sure they are updated by doing "walking rounds" once a week on the residents that will be coming up for conference review. In the meantime, any changes should be done by charge nurses inbetween, but I think this is a good idea.

We make a copy of MD orders and compare care cards and what exactly the patient has and make changes as needed (ie: 2 1/2 rails for mobility, air mattresses, adaptive equipment, etc.)

Myself (being resident care coordinator) do this with someone from occupational therapy. We have been doing it for about 3 months now, and are finding that it is an accurate way to have all in check. MD orders, care plans and care cards.

Does anybody else have a system for this balance or do the same thing? Just interested on how others do this....

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

sounds a lot like the Kardex systems in hospitals. The way I have used that system is to update every shift by having the nurse report from the kardex. As things change the nurse, or clerk, changes the kardex. Then the nurse gives report to the next shift and can spot errors.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

At my facility, I have to read EVERY doctor's order that is written...I check them for everything from the correct wording to the correct diagnosis. I give them back to the nurse managers with a note to check to make sure the info is on the care plan and on the CNA care plan. We keep ours in binders in the nurses' station and they get updated as needed...certainly at least once a quarter when the care plan is being updated. We just finished an audit to make sure the care plans and the CNA care plans matched...our survey is any day.