Warm, Dark, Moist…OH MY!
Bacteria, Viruses and other pathogens prefer a specific type of environment to breed…warm, dark and moist. All healthcare workers should be familiar with this concept so they can be on the lookout for any warm, dark, moist places where pathogens may be lurking. Sometimes this is not as easy as it seems. Most of us are familiar with the fact that bathrooms are ideal breeding grounds for pathogens: bathrooms are usually a little warmer...
Energy Conservation
Most healthcare workers never stop to think about things from their patient’s point of view…thinking that everyone’s reality is the same as their own. But this may be a very inaccurate view of your patient’s daily experience! The first thing we have to understand is that if you are there, the patient needs help. If the patient was able to care for themselves, they wouldn’t need you! This means that they have some kind of impairment...
Interview Attire
What do you wear to an interview? This is a very common question. Certainly, business attire is always appropriate for an interview. Business attire would consist of dress slacks and a dress shirt with tie for gentlemen, and a dress or pantsuit for ladies. Interview clothing should be modest, professional and attractive. First impressions certainly count and you only get one opportunity to make a first impression. If you choose to...
Turning Patients the Right Way
Do you turn a patient toward you or away from you when you are rolling them onto their side? Does it really matter? Yes. Yes, it does. When you roll a patient onto their side, their weight is not proportionally distributed – most of their weight lies along their back, from their head, down through their shoulders, back and buttocks to their feet. If you rolled the patient so that they are facing you, then the majority of their...
Testing Tip: Let patients check the water!
For all washing skills (hand and nail care, foot care, partial bed bath, peri-care, catheter care), you will go fill a basin with water to bring it to the bedside. You will check the water temperature with the inside of your wrist before filling the basin: it should feel warm, not hot and not cold – just warm. But just because YOU think it feels good, doesn’t mean the patient will agree! Why? I’m glad you asked! As...