What about those signs in residents rooms

Bird2 · Jul 30, 2005

like the ones we used to hang in the GT/NG feeders rooms above their beds with the name of the feeding, how much, the times to be given and how much water flushes afterwards. We were told it was against HIPPA so we had stopped posting them. We have a new nurse manager and starting 8/1 she wants the signs up. I didn't say anything to her because I wanted to ask everyone here first... Have the rules changed at all?

We can only hang a sign if we cover it with a blank paper. This defeats the purpose. So, we don't hang them any more.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2005

No signs in our rooms either unless the family or pt posts them.

As far as the tube feedings...arent they dated etc and its in the MAR

redwinggirlie · Jul 30, 2005

There's been talk about different kinds of signs: A picture of a fish = fluid restriction.

A picture of Niagara Falls... well, I'm sure you get the drift. Might work.

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · Aug 2, 2005

We can't put any signs up because of the privacy issues.

If the family writes the sign up and signs it or puts "per family" or "family's request" etc on it then it stays. I am rather encouraging of them putting the signs up since we can't and I believe they are really useful.

One LTC had stickers of fairly large stars that would go up to signify that the resident was on the "falling star" program which means that they are at a high risk for falls.

I've also seen pictures of hummingbirds and bumble bees that signify nectar thick and honey thick liquids.

Chad_KY_SRNA · Aug 2, 2005

For our residents on thickened liquids we have a flower for the ones on nectar thick and a picture of Pooh Bear with his honey pot for the honey thick residents. HIPPA would probably rip a stitch over these signs. I think that people should know their residents well enough to know who is on what type of liquid and usually what diet.

NurCrystal22 · Aug 2, 2005

i remember just reading an article about hippa regulations. and... i believe that is a violation...

~crystal :rolleyes:

Sue7573 · Aug 4, 2005

We have a simple water drop and if it is nector thick liquids then there a picture of a peach inside of the water drop. I don't mind that so much and I think it is needed because we have new employees and not all know who is or is not on thickened liguids. Personally I think the can of thick-it on table would clue some one in, but not always we have Dietary aides that pass water and what have you and more than once I have seen them put the water pitcher at bedside when the resident is on a thickened liquid diet. This being at the ones who haven't got the water drop up yet.

I however do not like the falling star program at all. Yes the star on the wall is fine but, it comes down to a dignity issue. I would not want to be called a falling star in my twilight years.

Sue

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Aug 4, 2005

For us, in assisted living, we put up signs with the expressed permission from family and patients. We have them sign a waver saying this is appropriate (such as reminder signs for residents like "use call light" or "use your walker" and the like). It is in a residents room, so if they wish this...then there is no probelm.

For the use of signs to help caregivers or Nurses...no, we have service plan books for such things kept in the med rooms and updated every three months, that seems to help big time :). The only thing...they have to READ them..LOL! Well most do..LOL!

There was a big hang up on POLST signs in rooms, but we had a vote and not only does EMS say YES GET THEM IN THERE, but the residents agreed! A consultant nurse came in and warned us that was a confidentiality issue..and we said nope..they agreed, and this is their apartment, so they may post whatever they wish! She went off on us...but it came back to patient rights..and we won hands down!

Sometimes this confidentiality thing goes way to far...but then again...medical is like a swinging pendulum...always one side or the other...and only a wisp in the middle....

ktwlpn, LPN · Aug 4, 2005

I worked in a facility that posted a sheet on the inside of each resident's closet door-pictures of each item the resident utilized such as dentures,eyeglasses or a walker-we highlighted the appropriate article....Worked well....No pics or signs where I am now---I like the picture idea for the liquids...I'm going to bring that to the table where I am now....

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Aug 4, 2005

For our residents on thickened liquids we have a flower for the ones on nectar thick and a picture of Pooh Bear with his honey pot for the honey thick residents.

That idea got shot down at the nursing home i used to work at because Pooh Bear conveys a childlike image. (or so the DON thought)

(No, i didn't agree with it)