Published Sep 14, 2006
Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN
582 Posts
All of a sudden I have been writing up loads of incident reports for bruises, skin tears and falls. Is this what goes on in LTC? Or shouldn't I have this many? I have been working here for 9 months and all of a sudden some residents have become more combative and are racking up the injuries! Would like some feedback about your experiences with incidents.
Thanks!
msnursekim
10 Posts
you say, all of a sudden , you have more combative residents racking up tears and bruises? my first instinct as a 28 year veteran lpn is that you have a new employee that is agitating or abusing these residents. think about your nursing environment...what has changed from when you first started there compared to now? think cause and effect...something has triggered these residents to become combative now, which we all know leads to tears and bruises.
suebird3
4,007 Posts
Is there any change of routine, or meds?
Suebird :)
It is a mixed dementia/non dementia ward. Two of my residents seem to be deteriorating mentally (dementia) and have become combative lately. Ruled out physical problems, but working on the psych ones, try this, try that. I was really wondering do other LTCs have this many incidents? Do you have 10+ a week? I'm starting to feel rotten about this. I have even been assisting with PM care with the combative ones trying to prevent any problems. Our nurse's aides are great and have been working there for many years so I don't feel it's them. They feel horrible when something happens to their residents.
Don't discount the Full Moon....I mean it! I swear our 'pleasantly confused' patients go gung-ho about then. And yes, some Full Moons are worse than others.
The aides are good resources. Good idea!
marjoriemac, LPN
231 Posts
I have seen periods when fals occur regualrly and skin tears. Sometimes staff education helps as they may be unintentionally too rough when dressing people etc. However I do believe there are times when risk is a part of a residents life which they are entitled to. We cannot wrap them up in cotton wool and can only ensure that we have done our duty in educating them, removing any physical dangers and documenting everything. Unfortunately sometimes people do partake in risky behaviour because they crave attention however and it is a sad state that people who are deprived of human contact will do anything to gain some. Keep a close eye on your reports and if they point to one carers involvement, or one scenario or one area - act on it. If they are all different, it may just be a natural part lifes risks!
Patti 2nd gen RN
100 Posts
Yes to msnursekim!!! Our aides are invaluable, and have an understanding of patients that often gets overlooked--validate them by asking for their input whenever you can!!!They have a huge, and dirty job for little more than McDonald's money--the reason the good ones stay is mostly that they care. But--as to 'runs' of incident reports--don't get too nuts about it--we get 'runs' of trach admissions, 'runs' of dementia patients, 'runs' of GT's--and right now we are getting renovated--the change in scheduele in getting some of the patients quite restless. Remeber, health care facilities are not motels--stuff happens.
hptogram
27 Posts
Dixiecup
659 Posts
I do the monthly report for our incidents. On average we have between 20 and 40 per month.
ksmothers
1 Post
We have a 2 partner Geriatric Practice and that is about the average per facility we receive via fax/phone.
ktwlpn, LPN
3,844 Posts
All of a sudden I have been writing up loads of incident reports for bruises, skin tears and falls. Is this what goes on in LTC? Or shouldn't I have this many? I have been working here for 9 months and all of a sudden some residents have become more combative and are racking up the injuries! Would like some feedback about your experiences with incidents.Thanks!