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IDEAS THAT WORK
entation they can yell). And the new people really appreciate having an experienced buddy with them at all times.
The program has also given us insights into the skills of our veteran nurses. Some do fantastic jobs, but aren't necessarily great teachers. Others are great nurses and are also fantastic at mentoring. Of course those are the ones we use when we can. You can always tell by looking at the end product who mentored and taught that person — as the new hires become veterans, they tend to mirror the good habits of their teachers.
Joyce Danels, RN
Twin Rivers Regional
Medical Center
Kennett, Mo.
joyce.danels@hma.com
3 RULES FOR DRUG SAFETY
Decrease Medication Labeling Errors
1. Label no more than 1 medication or solution at a time.
2. If, during the perioperative period, a solution or medication that is removed from its original container will be used over the course of a procedure, label the receiving container immediately when you transfer that medication or solution from the original packaging.
3. Two qualified individuals should verify all labels, both verbally and visually, when the person preparing the medication is not the person administering the medication.
