Download I wish I would have known that… - The University of Kansas Hospital

“I wish I would have known that…”
CTS-ICU
Tidbits of information to help you get started as you begin orientation.
On behalf of the Critical Care Division, we would like to welcome you to The University of
Kansas Hospital. We hope the following information will be helpful in making your transition to
KU a smooth one.
Information Management/Documentation
 Confidential patient information is only given to visitors or immediate family members
that have the 4-digit code. This code is given to the patients upon admission and it is up
to them who they give it to. The 4-digit code is the last four digits of the patients account
number on the right side of the label. If you have any doubts, refer to the policy manual.
 Call the help desk at 8-4894 with any computer related questions (logging into a
computer, logging into Citrix, email access)
Pharmacy
 The nurse may delegate for you to pick up certain medications from the pharmacy,
however you may not pick up any opioids/narcotics. The inpatient pharmacy is located
in the basement of the main hospital. However, we have a satellite pharmacy on our unit.
 Medication administration is out of your scope of practice as a HCA/JNA/SNA or HCT.
Do not give medications under any circumstances.
 There is an “on-site” pharmacy located in the southwest corner of our unit (Near the OR).
Materials Management
 Sequential Compression Devices (SCDs), and Ted Hose are available on the supply cart,
but the machines must be ordered through materials management. The SCD sleeves are
now being recycled. Do not throw them away unless they are excessively soiled. Make
sure the patient is wearing these if it is ordered for them. If the patient refuses, notify the
RN immediately.
 Other items that are being reprocessed include: pulse oximeter probes, cervical collars,
and blood pressure cuffs. Please place them in designated locations in the dirty utility
room.
 Make sure you use the specialty bed chucks or pads on the specialty beds.
Laboratory
 The nurse may delegate for you to take send specimens to the lab or blood bank via the
pneumatic tube system. Make sure all specimens are correctly labeled and in the
biohazard lab bag. Make sure you have the corresponding lab requisition form.
 Lab requires that all sticker labels placed on specimens have the following information:
Patients full name
Patient’s medical record number
Date and time of collection and initials of person collecting
All specimens must be properly labeled at the bedside. Specimens received without the
proper information will be discarded and must be redrawn/recollected.
Patient Relations/Services
 Ask yourself, “How would I like to be treated if I was this patient?” Ask your patient
what name they would like to be called by.
 Introduce yourself and tell them how long you are assigned to be their aide and write
your name on the board in the room.
 Visiting hours begin at 0830 with the unit being closed from 1900-2030 for change of
shift. Only two visitors are allowed at a time. Visitors are not allowed to spend the night
in the rooms. Make sure you check with the nurse before you allow visitors to come
back. The nurse may be busy doing patient care or there may be an emergent situation.
 Please help to keep patient rooms organized and clean. Straighten bedside tables, sink,
countertops, etc as you are visiting your patients.
 Spending a few moments of “caring time” with the patient in the beginning of the shift
will help build a secure and trusting relationship.
 Maintain a friendly and courteous attitude when taking care of your patients. Always be
sure to ask if there is anything else you can do for them before leaving the room. Keep
the room tidy and clean.
 Make rounds on your patient every 1-2 hours to ensure they are comfortable and their
expectations met.
 Make sure to ask questions if you are unsure. Our staff is very helpful and team oriented.