The importance of N95 mask fitting for those who perform direct patient care

1. What does N95 stand for?

N stands for non-oil based molecules. 95 stands for 95% of protection. N95 masks provide us 95% of protection against airborne transmitted diseases with non-oil based small particles. An example of such airborne transmitted diseases is Tuberculosis.

2. What about the other 5% of protections?

If we want to protect ourselves from airborne transmitted diseases, 95% of protection does not seem to be enough. Where does the other 5% come from? Properly putting on and removing the mask after each use, performing mask fitting at least once a year, and ALWAYS selecting the properly fitted mask to wear provide the remaining 5% of protection.

3. How often should you perform mask fitting?

The answer is AT LEAST once a year. Mask fitting should be performed again if there is any facial structure changes including significant amount of weight change. Educations information in regards to how to properly putting on and taking off the mask should be refreshed as well at each mask fitting session.

Please contact Lilly Ranney, BSN, RN at 954-514-1631 if you have any questions in regards to N95 mask fitting.

Dr. Jane Englebright, HCA Healthcare’s chief nurse executive, is among the list of nominees for Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives of 2019.

Voting is open and will close on May 10, 2019. Additionally, each e-mail address can register to vote one time, for one executive. Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives program honors clinicians working in the healthcare industry, deemed by their peers and an expert panel to be the most influential in terms of demonstrating leadership and impact. Previously known as Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Physicians Executives and Leaders.

Click here to learn more about the program.

Should you ever need to report an injury below are the steps to follow:

1.  Report the incident to immediate supervisor of the unit.

2. Complete incident report in Meditech (under "non-patient notification") with the assistance of supervisor/charge nurse if needed before the end of shift.

3.  Go to the ED of the facility for evaluation if needed.

4. Report the incident to HealthTrust Workforce Solutions.

5. Contact Employee Health Nurse: Lilly Ranney at 954-514-1631 for follow-up instructions and additional questions.

HCA injury reporting policies apply to HealthTrust WS employees, vendor partner employees should contact their employer.

Please comment below with questions or concerns.

Thank you for all you do!

Included is an educational resource that provides examples of key words that ED and inpatient staff can use during times of high census. You may not always be able to prevent challenging circumstances, but you can prepare and choose words that help reduce stress and show patients and staff we care. The goal of the communication during these times is to keep patients informed, proactively address needs and concerns, keep them safe and ensure their comfort and patient experience. Please review the included education and comment with questions. Have a good weekend and Thank You for your dedication to patient care.

Patient Experience

Tuesday, March 26

1p.m. Eastern Time

Comment with your email address and I will send you link.

HWS will be receiving more courses/opportunities in the future.

Included are two very helpful educational resources supporting the HCA initiative of Patient Experience

White Boards-Defines the purpose of white boards, includes tips for better communication, and provides a visual example of a white board.

Patient Experience Pre-Round and Nurse Leader Rounding-Defines the expectations of pre-rounds (questions the nurse leader will ask the clinician) and beside validation/observation by Nurse Leader.

Please review and comment with any additional questions.

Thank you for all that you do and your commitment to patient care.

White Boards

Pre-Rounds/NLR: Patient Experience

As a friendly reminder BCMA scanning expectation is 99%. To ensure you are meeting this expectation, please print your scan rate at the completion of each shift and review with the charge nurse or designated facility contact. I have included printing instructions for review and reference; keep in mind Meditech menus can vary by Division and Facility. 

Please comment with additional questions.

Thank you for your attention to this educational opportunity and your continued dedication to patient safety.

BCMA-Printing Scan Rates

Quick Reference BCMA

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Welcome to 2019! I wanted to share a very helpful educational reference received from the Far-West Division. The education reviews scanning multiple doses of controlled substances and ensuring the second dose is properly scanned. If missed the verification, administration, and documentation are effected. Please comment below with questions. Thank you each for your dedication to patient safety.

Controlled Substance Education

On behalf of the clinical operations team, I would like to wish each of you a wonderful holiday season. We appreciate all that you do and dedication to patient care.

The "z" and "w" order source in Meditech should never be used when entering an order. When either one of those sources is used, the order never goes to the physician to be electronically signed. This is particularly important for any Meditech controlled substance activity. Please comment below with questions.