Water

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Where you work, are you allowed to have water (in a covered container) at your workstation?

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Specializes in Med/surg, Tele, educator, FNP.

No but we do it abyway

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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Specializes in Critical Care.

We're allowed.

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Why on earth not? It's more sanitary than a bubbler (fountain) in the hall, and keeps you out of the floor kitchen.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
Where you work are you allowed to have water (in a covered container) at your workstation?[/quote']

No. Joint Commission no-no.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

yes, as long as it is covered.

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No. Joint Commission no-no.

I'd like to see that in writing in Joint Commission literature. Sounds fishy to me, but I'm willing to be corrected if I'm wrong. Going to their website and searching in Hospitals and in Nursing & Rehab Centers for "water" comes up on water supply, and for "drinking water" comes up zero. Is there a citation in your policy and procedures book?

You have piqued my curiosity, though, so I put in a question on the JC online question form. I'll let you know if I get an answer.

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depends - dayshift nope, 3-11 only if the mgr isn't there, and nights - well anything goes

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
I'd like to see that in writing in Joint Commission literature. Sounds fishy to me but I'm willing to be corrected if I'm wrong.[/quote']

This blog sums it up nicely...

http://thehappyhospitalist.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-is-food-and-drink-prohibited-at.html?m=1

And...

http://www.jointcommission.org/mobile/standards_information/jcfaqdetails.aspx?StandardsFAQId=87&StandardsFAQChapterId=69

It may be vague...but it is still pretty clear no food or drink.

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depends - dayshift nope 3-11 only if the mgr isn't there, and nights - well anything goes[/quote']

Haha, same for us!

Days has NO food or drink at the desk, ever.

PMs starts breaking out the water bottles and power bars around 5 (after checking that the manager has actually left)

NOCs? It's like "Move all those charts, we're bringing in a buffet!"

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Standards FAQ Details | Joint Commission

It may be vague...but it is still pretty clear no food or drink.

Q: Are food and drinks for staff members allowed in patient care areas?A: The Joint Commission standards do not specifically address this issue.

However several other points apply:

  • Standard LD.04.01.01 requires compliance with applicable law and regulation. The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard prohibits food and drink in areas where contamination is likely. For example, if lab specimens are handled in a work area, the OSHA standard would prohibit food and drinks if contamination might occur.
  • Under the same LD.04.01.01 standard, many states prohibit food and drink in clinical areas, requiring that they be consumed in break areas.
  • Many organizations have policies that prohibit this for infection control, risk management or even public appearance purposes. These are often established after conducting a risk assessment, as required in standard IC.01.03.01. Organizations must be in compliance with their own policies.
  • An Environment of Care risk assessment should be performed to address potential patient safety issues, per EC.02.01.01.

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Specializes in Med/Surg & Hospice & Dialysis.

Infection Prevention and Control (CAMH / Hospitals)

Food And Drinks In Patient Care Areas

Revised | November 24, 2008

Q: Are food and drinks for staff members allowed in patient care areas?

A: The Joint Commission standards do not specifically address this issue.

However several other points apply:

Standard LD.04.01.01 requires compliance with applicable law and regulation. The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard prohibits food and drink in areas where contamination is likely. For example, if lab specimens are handled in a work area, the OSHA standard would prohibit food and drinks if contamination might occur.

Under the same LD.04.01.01 standard, many states prohibit food and drink in clinical areas, requiring that they be consumed in break areas.

Many organizations have policies that prohibit this for infection control, risk management or even public appearance purposes. These are often established after conducting a risk assessment, as required in standard IC.01.03.01. Organizations must be in compliance with their own policies.

An Environment of Care risk assessment should be performed to address potential patient safety issues, per EC.02.01.01.

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