ADEX Medical Staffing Blog

Joint Commission Alert

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:42:09 +0000

Action urged to fight health care worker fatigue
Joint Commission Alert:
Health care worker fatigue linked to patient safety
(OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. – December 14, 2011) The link between health care worker fatigue and adverse events is well documented, prompting The Joint Commission to issue a new Sentinel Event Alert: Health care worker fatigue and patient safety. The Alert urges greater attention to preventing fatigue among health care workers and suggests specific actions for health care organizations to mitigate the risks.
An article in the November 2007 issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety reported that nurses who work more than 12-hour shifts and residents working recurrent 24-hour shifts were involved in three times more fatigue-related preventable adverse events. In addition, health care professionals who work long hours are at greater risk of injuring themselves on the job.
“Health care is a round-the-clock job, and safety has to be the priority,” says Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president, The Joint Commission. “The recommendations in this Alert give health care organizations the strategies to help mitigate the risks of fatigue that result from extended work hours – and, thereby, reduce the likelihood that fatigue will contribute to preventable patient harm.”
The Alert addresses the effects and risks of an extended work day and of cumulative days of extended work hours. The Joint Commission Alert recommends that health care organizations:
• Assess fatigue-related risks such as off-shift hours, consecutive shift work and staffing levels.
• Examine processes when patients are handed off or transitioned from one caregiver to another, a time of risk that is compounded by fatigue.
• Seek staff input on how to design work schedules that minimize the potential for fatigue and provide opportunities for staff to express concerns about fatigue.
• Create and implement a fatigue management plan that includes scientific strategies for fighting fatigue such as engaging in conversation, physical activity, strategic caffeine consumption and short naps.
• Educate staff about good sleep habits and the effects of fatigue on patient safety.
The Joint Commission also suggests that health care organizations encourage teamwork as a strategy to support staff who work extended work shifts or hours. For example, use a system of independent second checks for critical tasks or complex patients. Also, organizations should consider fatigue as a potentially contributing factor when reviewing all adverse events, and educate employees on the importance of good sleep habits, including ensuring their rest environment is conducive to sleeping.
The warning about health care worker fatigue is part of a series of Alerts issued by the Joint Commission. Previous Alerts have addressed diagnostic imaging risks, violence in health care facilities, maternal deaths, health care technology, anticoagulants, wrong-site surgery, medication mix-ups, health care-associated infections, and patient suicides, among others. The complete list and text of past issues of Sentinel Event Alert can be found on the Joint Commission website.
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Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States, including more than 10,300 hospitals and home care organizations, and more than 6,500 other health care organizations that provide long term care, behavioral health care, laboratory and ambulatory care services. The Joint Commission also provides certification of more than 2,000 disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org

Jim Shoemaker, R.N.

Are In-Patient Mortality Rates Tied to Nursing Staffing Levels?

Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services — Tue, 03 May 2011 18:50:56 +0000

Many studies have been conducted to validate a correlation between nurse staffing levels and patient mortality rates. Previous studies have had their validity challenged due to the use of imprecise data.

A recent study, according to author Norra MacReady’s article in Medscape Medical News, identified several risk factors for patients in the hospital setting. “Staffing levels that were 8 hours or more below target occurred on 15.9% of all shifts.” “This was most likely to occur in critical care units, of which 19.4% had staffing levels at least 8 hours below target.”

According to the author, the overall mortality rate for the patients included in the study was 1.9%. “The hazard ratio for death with exposure to a single below-target shift to which a patient was a 2% increase in risk for each below-target shift to which a patient was exposed. “Similarly, the hazard ratio for death with exposure to a shift with high patient turnover experienced an increase of 4% mortality for every high-turnover shift.

There may be differences of opinion among studies but it is undeniable that staffing ratios have a direct impact on patient care and patient mortality. Nurse patient ratio has always affected the ability of the nurse to adequately care for and monitor the patient.

ADEX Medical Staffing is intent on assisting facilities throughout the country in addressing the nurse/patient ratio issues. ADEX Medical Staffing recognizes the impact of supplying the most qualified professionals to facilities that have sudden spikes in census, turnover issues, or growing pains. ADEX Medical Staffing is Joint Commission Certified and takes great pride in not only meeting the standards of the Joint Commission but exceeding those standards.

Please call us at 866-341-2339 to inquire on how we can help.

March is Red Cross Month

Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:28:08 +0000

The American Red Cross touches the lives of millions of people every year around the world. They provide shelter, food, comfort and hope to survivors of thousands of disasters each year; help prepare communities for emergencies; are the largest single provider of the nation’s blood; teach lifesaving skills to millions of people a year; support military members and their families and provide international humanitarian aid.

Since March is Red Cross month, now is a great time for people to get involved by donating blood, signing up for a CPR, first aid or another Red Cross course, giving a financial gift that can really save the day when the next disaster strikes, or getting involved as a volunteer.

Help celebrate Red Cross Month by making a blood donation. To find a blood donation site near you, or to find out more regarding Red Cross services and other chapter programs visit redcross.org.

Springtime in Florida

Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:27:05 +0000

Well, if you are like me you are really exhausted from the brutal winter that we have incurred over the past few months. Atlanta experienced four separate snow events along with bone chilling wind and ice. The Northeast also experienced one of the hardest winters in years. The Midwest also has struggled through a very tough year.

At ADEX Medical Staffing, we have tremendous opportunities to bring in those warm temperatures a little early this year. There are many immediate needs ranging from PACU, Tele, Rehabilitation, ICU, and many more positions awarded to ADEX Medical Staffing at some of Florida’s best hospitals.

The time it takes for endorsement for a Registered Nursing license is typically 30 days but many times the license is approved in 21 days or less. By applying online at https://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/irm00iportal/InitialAppEntry.asp you can expedite the process. It is very important to follow the online instructions for fingerprinting during the process. This can be found on the site during the application process.

All Florida-licensed R.N.s are on a 24-month renewal period. The 24 hours must include two(2)hours on Prevention of Medical Errors. HIV/AIDS is now a one-time, 1-hour CE requirement to be completed prior to the first renewal. Domestic Violence (DV) is a 2-hour requirement every third renewal. Offerings that are approved by a state or national nursing organization empowered to accredit continuing education standards are approved for continuing education with the exception of HIV/AIDS and Domestic Violence which must be from a Florida-approved provider.

Great opportunities await you along beautiful beach communities on both the East and West coast as well as tremendous facilities in the central area of Florida.

2011 National Patient Safety Goals

Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:56:57 +0000

The new 2011 National Patient Safety Goals are available on The Joint Commission’s website. The Joint Commission collects and analyzes data on a consistent basis to look for trends that may compromise a patient’s safety. Each year there are thousands of medical incidents that result in patient injury or even death. The National Patient Safety Goals are devised to eliminate common mistakes.

ADEX Medical Staffing is dedicated to providing the latest information to our nurses and healthcare professionals, so please take the time to download and review: 2011 National Patient Safety Goals.

9 days to 2011!!!

Brett Lazansky, Account Manager — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:39:15 +0000

This week I feel compelled and have a strong desire to thank each and every one of you for the amazing job you do every day. Due to a bad accident my daughter had this summer, we have had to spend more time than we could have ever anticipated with doctors and nurses. We have met some truly amazing people, who have comforted us, informed us, put us at ease, and most important kept us sane during a very insane time. I cannot thank each of them enough for all they have done (and continue to do), and I feel that thanking each of you is just as important. I am positive that the people who come in contact with you feel the same way as the nurses that we are in contact with.

From my family to your family, Thank You… You make a world of difference.

I hope you are having a great holiday, and wish you nothing but a fantastic finish to this year!!!

Oh, and don’t forget, assignments are everywhere, so give me a ring and let’s get ya working!!!! (Day 1 insurance now – SWEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!)

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and have a Great New Year!!!

ADEX Medical Staffing – Improved Healthcare Insurance Announcements

Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 22:07:07 +0000

ADEX Medical Staffing is pleased to announce exciting Healthcare Insurance updates to better serve our Healthcare Travelers.

Day 1 coverage is now standard… no waiting period for coverage to start!
Nationwide United Healthcare PPO plans replace BlueCross Blue Shield PPO.
Two (2) plan options are now available:
- Wellness: covers preventative care with an improved prescription coverage over our previous plan.
- Wellness PLUS: covers preventative care PLUS better prescription coverage, lower co-pays, and lower deductibles than the standard Wellness plan.

With great pay rates, fantastic assignments, and day 1 insurance, why go anywhere else? Have a great weekend… and remember, your next assignment is just a phone call away!!!

Make It a Wonderful Holiday Season

Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:55:37 +0000

The holiday season brings the joy of gathering with family and friends. The season allows us the opportunity to reflect on everything we have to be thankful for. Tables are covered with turkey, ham, latkes, and wonderful deserts. Festive parties, holiday shopping, holiday performances are just a few of the activities we look forward to each year. Many elderly people, however, have a difficult time during the holidays.

Elderly people that find themselves in need of nursing home care during their latter years for various reasons. Many of them become depressed and withdrawn during the holiday season. Many times they are unable to take part in family holiday festivities due to limited mobility or other extenuating circumstances. Please take this opportunity to visit someone you know or even someone you don’t know at one of your local nursing homes. Nursing homes typically have an activities coordinator that will arrange holiday activities for their residents during this time of year.

Here are just a few of the actions you can take to help out the elderly during these trying times:

Arrange to have one of your children’s school classes make a visit to their local nursing homes. Many schools are more than willing to have the children visit the nursing homes and perform holiday songs.
Take a pet to share with the residents.
Work with the residents on arts and crafts.
Take baked goods to share with the residents. (Please check to make sure it is in the resident’s diet)
If you are musically talented, play holiday music for the residents.
Involve your church to become involved in arranging holiday performances.
Read a favorite book to a resident.
Sit and listen to stories about their lives.

The holidays are a wonderful time for us to give to our fellow man. I hope you will take the time to share with someone in your local nursing home. Time is one of the best gifts we can give.

20% Off Scrubs with ADEX Promo Code!

Brett Lazansky, Account Manager — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:07:10 +0000

As a show of thanks, ADEX Medical Staffing has partnered with an online scrubs retailer to offer our valued employees and friends 20% off scrubs, plus free shipping on orders over $65 (before discount is taken).

To receive the 20% discount… go to http://www.cherokeescrubstat.com/promo/adex and the 20% discount should be taken out automatically. If it’s not, use ADEX for the promo code.