BRANDON
REGIONAL HOSPITAL
STUDENT ORIENTATION BOOKLET
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
BRANDON REGIONAL HOSPITAL
813-571-5112
REVISED JANUARY 2008
“The Mission of HCA”
Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement
of human life. In recognition of this commitment, we strive to deliver
high quality, cost-effective healthcare in the communities we serve.
Welcome to Brandon Regional Hospital! We hope your student experience here will be
challenging and rewarding. We have developed this Student Orientation Booklet to inform you of
important information regarding our hospital. This includes general facility information as well as
information regarding:
 Performance Improvement, Risk Management, and Patient Safety
 Abuse and Neglect
 Infection Control
 Safety Management
 Body Mechanics
FACILITY INFORMATION
Brandon Regional Hospital opened in June 1977 and has grown into a 367 bed acute care medical
center serving Brandon, East Tampa and surrounding East Hillsborough County communities.
Services include 24-hour Emergency Care, Cardiac Catheterization, Cardiac Surgical Services, Open
Heart, Critical Care, Surgical Services, Children’s, Women's and Infant's Services (including NICU
and PICU), as well as Rehabilitative Services, and Diagnostic Imaging. We are also a Certified
Stroke Center, a Certified Chest Pain Center, and a Comprehensive Breast Center.
The hospital cafeteria and vending machines are located on the first floor. Students must display
student ID badge to receive employee discount in cafeteria.
Students must follow the employee parking regulations:
1. Place a “Student Parking Pass” on your dashboard or window.
2. Park in the parking lot on Parsons Avenue, across the street from the hospital.
3. There is no parking on the Main Campus grounds at any time.
4. The parking garages are reserved for physicians, staff and visitors only.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students must always wear the designated uniform/lab coat with school insignia and school picture ID
badge when at the hospital for their clinical rotation. In view of the need to protect patient's
confidentiality, students are only to report during assigned clinical dates/times. Always report on/off to
the designated staff member in charge of your assigned area. If you are assigned a specific patient
assignment, you must always give a patient report to the assigned staff member.
Student conduct must remain professional in nature and must never compromise patient
confidentiality. Do not give information about the condition, treatment, personal affairs or records of a
patient to any one, either inside or outside of the hospital. Use discretion so that your conversations
and reports are not overheard, thereby violating the patient's right to privacy. Violation of patient
confidentiality is grounds for dismissal from the hospital. If you are unable to report for a scheduled
clinical rotation day, follow your school's guidelines for reporting — to the Instructor as well as to your
assigned clinical area.
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PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT
We are all involved in our Performance Improvement Plan through hospital-wide and departmental
performance improvement monitoring and evaluation activities. This process is to continuously
improve and promote high quality patient care and greater job satisfaction. Each unit has specific
projects to improve care for their patients. Ask the staff about these projects!
Risk Management
Take action to help eliminate occurrences before they happen. The Patient Safety/Risk
Management line (dial 1234 from any house telephone) is a component of the occurrence reporting
system and is also available to report patient safety related suggestions or concerns.
The Occurrence Reporting System involves all hospital employees and affiliating students in the
risk management plan. It is used for reporting, evaluating, and taking corrective measures relating to
actual or potential injury situations. An occurrence is defined as any happening out of the ordinary
that results in a potential for injury, or actual injury or damage to a patient, visitor, employee, hospital
property, or the hospital's public reputation. The staff member who is first made aware of the event,
has witnessed the event, or is directly involved in the event completes the Occurrence Report in
Meditech.
The Occurrence Report must be completed and forwarded in Meditech to the Department Manager or
Administrative Supervisor during the same shift in which the event took place. You may be asked to
provide information as a witness. If you become aware of or involved in any “occurrences”,
notify the staff member in charge so that the Occurrence Report can be completed.
The Occurrence Report does not become part of the medical record and no mention should be made
in the medical record that an Occurrence Report was completed. As appropriate, a factual description
of the occurrence is documented in the medical record if a patient is involved. Do not print copies of
Occurrence Reports. Occurrence Reports are for internal use only, and they may also become part
of the hospital's Safety Management and Performance Improvement programs.
Student Injury The hospital does not assume liability or responsibility for any injury you may
receive while here. If you are injured, you may seek treatment in our emergency department or at the
facility of your choice. Financial charges incurred will be the responsibility of the student.
Information management is a system designed to provide timely and accurate information in
order to improve decision making in patient care. Your instructor will decide if the clinical group
should have access to the computer system. You need to be a part of the process to maintain
confidential information. Please remember that maintaining a balance between rapid easy access and
security is our goal. Do not try to access information which you do not need to know to meet your
particular school requirements. Under no circumstances may a student make copies of any part
of the patient's medical record. Violation of this regulation, as well as of any hospital policy, is
grounds for removal of the student from our hospital.
Informed Patient Consent Risks and complications of procedures should be discussed with the
patient by their physician. After the physician has discussed the risks with the patient, then a staff
member may witness the patient signature on the Informed Consent Form; students may not sign as
the witness.
Patient Restraint Devices
Our Hospital Policy: Restraints defines the requirements that must be
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met every time a patient restraint device is used. The requirements include specific time limits on
restraint orders and patient monitoring documented in the Patient Care Module computer system.
Always check with the staff nurse if your patient is in restraints. Our full Restraint Policy and
Procedure can be found on the Hospital Intranet.
Be informed of Patient's Rights and Responsibilities. Patient rights are always to be
maintained and protected, including the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, the
right to a prompt and reasonable response to questions and requests, and the right to
refuse any treatment. Our policy regarding patient's rights and responsibilities is located on the
hospital Intranet. In addition, patients' rights and responsibilities are discussed in the Patient
Handbook that is given to each patient when they are admitted.
Patient Complaints and Suggestions
Initiate resolution by either your own actions or by reporting the situation to the nurse assigned to the
patient. Whatever your action, let the person who complains know
what action you will be taking. If a patient's rights are not being observed, the situation will be
brought to the attention of the Department Manager. The Ethics Compliance Officer will
directly intervene if necessary to be sure patient rights are always observed.
Ethics Committee
Is available to assist staff and physicians with concerns regarding ethical questions and issues.
The nurse can ask the manager or supervisor to contact the Ethics Committee if needed. Refer to the
on-line Hospital Policy and Procedure Manual: Patient Rights and Organizational Ethics Conflict
Resolution/Patient Care policy.
Core Measures
Core Measures are 4 diseases, identified by JCAHO and CMS, for which patients may be admitted.
For each of these diseases certain specific performance measures have been identified, which have
been clinically validated to improve patient outcomes The Core Measures are: Congestive Heart
Failure, Acute Myocardial Infarction, Community Acquired Pneumonia, and Surgical Care
Improvement Project (to decrease surgical infections.
JCAHO Patient Safety Goals
On the following two pages are a listing of the 2008 Patient Safety Goals and specifics as to how BRH
is meeting these goals.
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JCAHO National Patient Safety Goals
Safety Goal
Improve accuracy of patient
identification
Improve effectiveness of
communication among
caregivers
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Improve the safety of using
medications
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What to do
Use two identifiers: Patient full name &
DOB
For al Surgical & other Invasive
Procedures, sue the Boarding Pass &
Time Out Verification Procedure
Record
Limit verbal orders and process
telephone orders safely
Verify phone orders and test results by
documenting, then read back & confirm
Measure, assess, & take action to
improve the timeliness of reporting and
receipt of reports of critical test results
and values
Avoid using any unapproved
abbreviations: QD, QOD, U, IU, MS,
MgSO4, MS04, “zero” after decimal
point, “no zero” before decimal point
Implement a standardized approach to
“hand off” communication, including an
opportunity to ask & respond to
questions utilizing the SBAR system
(S=Situation,
B=Background,A=Assessment,
R=Recommendation)
Remove concentrated electrolytes from
patient care units
Standardize & limit the number of drug
concentrations available in the
organization
Identify & annually review a list of lookalike and/or sound-alike drugs used &
take action to prevent errors with these
drugs
Label all medications, medication
containers (e.g., syringes, medicine
cups, basins, power injectors) or other
solutions (saline, contrast) on and off
the sterile field in perioperative & other
procedural settings that are not drawn
up and used immediately
Reduce the likelihood of patient harm
associated with the use of
anticoagulation therapy
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Reduce the risk of healthcare
associated infections
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Accurately and completely
reconcile medications across
the continuum of care
(Medication Reconciliation
Policy)
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Reduce the risk of patient harm
resulting from falls (Falling
Leave program)
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Encourage patients’ active
involvement in their own care
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Identify safety risks inherent in
its patient population,
particularly those with emotional
or behavioral problems
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Improve recognition & response
to changes in a patient’s
condition
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Use good hand-hygiene with any
patient contact
Remove any artificial nails and keep
natural nails short
Manage as sentinel events all identified
cases of unanticipated death or
permanent loss or injury associated
with a health care-associated infection
Print off & place in patient’s chart the
list of patients’ home medications upon
admission
Print off & place in patient’s chart the
current list of medications when
transferring a patient to another unit
Print off & place in patient’s chart the
list of home meds and current hospital
meds when patient is discharged
Assess and periodically reassess each
patient’s risk for falling and take action
to address any identified risks
Provide means for patients and their
families to report concerns about safety
and encourage them to do so
Call “1,2,3,4”
Identify patients at risk for suicide
(identification of specific factors and
features – Risk Elopement Policy)
Ensure patient is in the most
appropriate setting for needed care
Provide information such as crisis
hotline
Make sure environment is safe for all of
our patients
Institute a suitable method that enables
healthcare staff members to directly
request additional assistance from a
specially trained individual(s) when the
patient’s condition appears to be
worsening
Rapid Response Team
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HIPAA
WHAT IS HIPAA? Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. It is a federal law
that is mandatory, with penalties for failure to comply. The purpose of HIPPA is to protect health
insurance coverage, improve access to health care, reduce fraud and abuse, improve quality of
healthcare in general, and reduce healthcare administrative costs (electronic transactions).
FACILITY PRIVACY OFFICIAL: Is responsible for the Privacy Program, Privacy Rights of Patients,
requests for Privacy Restrictions and Facilitation of Training and Education of Staff. The FPO must
maintain a complaint log of all patient privacy complaints in accordance with the complaint process.
Privacy complaints must be routed to the FPO and responses cannot be accompanied by retaliatory
actions by the hospital.
HIPAA TERMINOLOGY
PHI: Protected Health Information
CE: Covered Entity (Hospital)
OHCA: Organized Health Care Arrangement (The hospital and medical stall will be considered an
Organized Health Care Arrangement)
DRS: Designated Record Set (The medical record and billing record)
AOD: Accounting of Disclosure – Patient’s right to
Directory: Hospital census list used by volunteers and operators with patient name and room number
TPO: Treatment, payment, healthcare operations
What Is Protected By HIPAA (PHI)? All information, written, oral or electronic. It includes: name,
address, phone & fax numbers, birth date, health plan beneficiary number, SSN, account number,
medical records number certificate/license number, any vehicle or other device serial number, names
of relatives and/or employers, Web URL, e-mail addresses, IP address number, finger or voice prints,
photo images, and any other unique identifying number, code or characteristic.
How Will HIPAA Affect You?
Each individual is responsible to maintain confidentiality of PHI. Coversheet with confidential
statement is used on all faxes. Computer screens are placed out of public view and screensavers in
use. Patients will identify who their information can be discussed with, including family. All documents
containing PHI that is not part of the permanent record will be discarded in Shred-It containers.
Patient information should only be accessed if there is a need to know.
Notice Of Privacy Practices: Patients receive notice upon each registration that outlines patient
rights such as their right to access, right to amend, confidential communication, right to privacy
restriction, right to opt out of directory, review notice of privacy practices in detail, and right to privacy
restrictions. Patients have the right to request a privacy restriction of their PHI. All requests must be
made in writing and given to the FPO to make a decision on. NO request is so small that it should
not be routed to the FPO.
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ABUSE AND NEGLECT
It is important that students at our facilities are aware of our policies related to identification of and
care of the victim of suspected or confirmed abuse and/or neglect. If upon admission or during the
course of treatment it is suspected that a person(s) has been abused, neglected, or exploited, the
person suspecting such shall notify the Unit/Department Director, Clinical Nurse Manager, or
Administrative Supervisor or Coordinator. The manager or supervisor/coordinator will verify the
complaint and respond by reporting it to the Utilization Management Department.
The Hospital policy on Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation has detailed information that employees are
responsible to know. It includes information regarding:
 definitions of abuse, neglect and exploitation
 confidentiality issues
 criteria and indicators for identification of victims of abuse/neglect
 reporting suspected or actual abuse/neglect
 procedure for examination and treatment of victims
 referral process
Abuse may be categorized in different ways. Here is one method:
Physical Abuse
 non-accidental use of physical force
 sexual (forced unwanted sexual acts)
 unreasonable confinement or restraint
 emotional or psychological abuse – willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish
Neglect
 willful or intentional failure to provide adequate care
 withholding of food, medications, medical care, or personal hygiene
Exploitation
 financial – unauthorized use of a person’s income or assets for personal gain
 consumer fraud
Due to the sensitive nature of these cases, in respect of the victim's right to privacy, and because
each case involves potential criminal investigation and prosecution, all records related to an assault
case must be kept strictly confidential. The records must be made available only to those individuals
who are directly involved in the care of the survivor or in the investigation of the case.
It's important that you be able to recognize three indicators of abuse and neglect: unusual injuries, an
implausible story, and the behavior of the victim and abuser. The presence of these indicators does
not mean that abuse or neglect certainly occurred, but should raise questions. The more indicators
present the greater the risk. The Abuse and Neglect policy lists examples of criteria and physical and
behavioral indicators of physical abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment.
Finally, be sure to follow the laws regarding reporting suspected cases of abuse and neglect.
In Florida healthcare providers must notify authorities about cases of pediatric and geriatric
suspected abuse/neglect, and when dealing with adults, report gunshot wounds or life-threatening
injuries. Otherwise, be aware that notification of officials without the victim's consent may escalate the
violence.
Remember, if you have any reason to suspect that a patient is the victim of abuse, neglect, or
exploitation, you are responsible to report this information to the staff member in charge of that
patient's care!
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CULTURAL DIVERSITY
At BRH we employ and serve a diverse population. We employ and serve people with a wide variety
of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Healthcare providers are obligated to assess all
patients for cultural needs and to plan care that addresses the specific values, beliefs, preferences
and practices that are unique to them. Information can be found on the hospital Intranet, under the
Department of Education, that will aid you in tailoring patient care to individuals from a variety of
different cultures, ethnic groups, and religions. Some religious groups have beliefs and practices that
impact life events and health crises such as; birth, death, organ donation, etc. All employees and
students must respect the diversity of our patients.
INFECTION CONTROL
Our perspective on infection control is that all healthcare professionals, employees, and affiliating
students will become involved in achieving the goal of safe patient care. All are responsible to
minimize the probability of transmission of infections and of the development of nosocomial (hospitalacquired) infections.
You must remember that handwashing before and after contact with each patient is the single
most important method of preventing the spread of infection. Alcohol based hand rubs are also
available on the units and should be routinely used by all staff.
The Infection Control and Isolation policies and procedures are available online. The policy includes
the definition of the types of isolation precautions as well as a grid listing condition/diseases and the
appropriate isolation precautions to use. New Centers for Disease Control (CDC) isolation guidelines
define Standard Precautions and Transmission Based Precautions.
Standard Precautions apply to all blood and body fluids, secretions and excretions. Standard
precautions include handwashing and the use of personal protective equipment (gloves, masks,
gowns, etc.). Always use Standard Precautions; don't let carelessness result in exposure to blood or
body fluids to yourself or to anyone else. Resuscitation bags are available throughout the hospital;
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not allowed.
Transmission Based Precautions (airborne, droplet, and contact) are used, in addition to
Standard Precautions, for patients known or suspected to be infected or colonized with infectious
germs that can be transferred by airborne or droplet route, or by contact with dry skin or
contaminated surfaces. Isolation Signs are placed outside the patient's room at the doorway and on
the patient's chart.
The Hazardous Materials & Waste Management Plans contain the detailed policies and procedures
pertaining to biomedical & hazardous materials waste management, as well as the Exposure
Control Plans that define our policies and procedures for bloodborne pathogens and tuberculosis
precautions.
Our TB Exposure Control Plan requires patients with suspected or diagnosed TB to be placed on
Airborne Precautions. These precautions include the use of face-fitted masks. Students are not
face-fitted for these masks and therefore are not permitted to care for or to enter the room of these
patients. Students are required to comply with their school's TB testing program and to report any
exposure to or diagnosis with TB.
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It is the law that all biomedical waste be identified and segregated at the point of origin - the
room or area where the biomedical waste is generated. Specific waste disposal containers
include:
• Clear plastic bags: non-biomedical waste
• Red plastic biomedical bags: non-sharp biomedical waste
• Yellow plastic bags: disposal of all linen
• Green plastic bags: to return used trays to SPD for sterilization
• Sharps containers: for prompt disposal of syringes, needles, and small sharps
• Corrugated cardboard biomedical boxes: large sharps and/or hard plastics
Blood or body fluid spills require special clean up based on our policies. Contact a staff member
for assistance as needed.
Engineering controls are physical or mechanical systems designed to stop hazards before they
start. Examples of engineering controls are positive or negative pressure ventilation systems, safety
syringes (available through pharmacy), and the needleless IV systems. Our policies require that the
needleless IV system be used, and that needles are not to be recapped; they must be disposed of in
a sharps container in the room where they are used.
Employee work practices are specific procedures aimed at reducing the chances of exposure to
infectious materials. Examples of employee work practices are: hand washing, proper sharps
disposal, and following OSHA guidelines, which include not eating or drinking in work areas.
Fingernails
Employees have a responsibility for maintaining hand hygiene by adhering to specific infection control
practices. Artificial fingernail enhancements contribute to nail changes that can increase the risk of
colonization and transmission of pathogens to patients. Outbreaks of infections have been traced to
the artificial fingernails of health care workers. For those reasons they are prohibited for anyone
having patient contact.
Artificial fingernails are defined as any material applied to the nail for the purposes of strengthening or
lengthening nails including, but not limited to:
 Wraps or Tapes
 Acrylics
 Tips
 Tapes
 Any appliques other than those made of nail polish
 Nail-piercing jewelry of any kind
Natural fingernails are defined as natural nails without an artificial covering other than nail polish.
The following groups of employees will not be allowed to wear artificial fingernails:
 Direct patient care givers (this includes students)
 Employees who handle or reprocess equipment or instruments like central
processing employees
 Food Service workers who directly handle food
 Individuals who prepare products for patient use
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Other employees may wear artificial fingernails within the guidelines of the hospital dress code.
Maintenance of natural fingernails on employees who may not wear artificial fingernails:
 Nails need to be trimmed so they are no longer than 1/8 inch past the tip of the finger.
 They may need to be shorter to avoid puncturing gloves or injuring patients in certain
situations if determined by the employee's manager.
 Polish, if worn, must be in good repair, without cracks or chips.
 Colors of nail polish must conform to the hospital's dress code policy.
Attention must be given to cleaning around the base of the nails, cuticles, as well as the undersides
of nail tips when washing hands. Tips of fingernails are a frequent site of bacterial and fungal
colonization.
SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Our Safety Management program encompasses Emergency Preparedness, Equipment and Utilities
Management, Hazardous Materials Management, Life Safety (“Fire Safety”) and Facility Security.
Every department has Safety Management policies and procedures available on the Intranet. They
include information regarding Emergency Preparedness and Codes. You are responsible to know our
Emergency Codes, Number, and Response.
The switchboard operator announces all emergency codes and location overhead, three times in
succession. Once the emergency condition is resolved, the switchboard operator will announce that
the situation is all clear. Always check with the Charge Nurse or supervisor regarding your
responsibilities or actions in the event of an emergency situation. All emergencies are reported
by dialing “1999”, from any phone in the hospital.
DIAL 1999 TO HAVE CODE and/or LOCATION PAGED
CODE RED: Fire / Fire Drill/ Smoke
CODE GREEN: Mass Casualty
CODE BLUE: Cardiac Or Respiratory Arrest
CODE ORANGE: Hazardous Material
Exposure/Biological Weapons
CODE BLUE PEDIATRIC: Cardiac Or Respiratory Arrest
/ Infant Or Pediatric
CODE BLACK: Bomb Threat
CODE PINK: Infant Or Pediatric Abduction
CODE GREY: Security Response Needed
CODE GREY/CAUTION: Security Response Needed /
Weapon Involved
CODE YELLOW: Security Lockdown
CODE WHITE: Hostage Situation
CODE BROWN: Severe Weather Imminent
CODE D: Command Center Activation
EVAC EVAC EVAC: Evacuation Of Announced Location
Required
Remember the acronym “RACE” in the event of a fire:
R  Remove everyone from the immediate fire area.
A  Activate fire alarm—Pull the nearest fire alarm pull box & dial “1999”
C  Contain the fire
E  Extinguish the fire
The Fire Alarm System consists of an audio component (overhead bells and chimes ring for few
seconds) and visual component (fire alarm indicator lights in the ceiling/wall will continuously flash
until the Code Red is cleared). Do not use the elevators when the Code Red is in progress unless
the fire department has assured that they are safe to use and you need to transport a patient or
necessary equipment. Elevators may not function, and they act like a chimney drawing in the heat
and smoke!
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To use the fire extinguisher, remember “PASS”:
P Pull the pin
A Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
S Squeeze the handles together
S Sweep the nozzle from side to side
Utilities Safety Essential equipment and utilities include the fire alarm system, nurse call system,
telephone communications, medical gas, vacuum system, elevator, major plumbing, electrical
distribution, emergency generator and other equipment necessary to maintain the hospital's
environment of care in a safe and functional manner. Whenever any utility system is not operating,
the staff will institute the appropriate response. Refer to the Utilities System Failure/Response Plan
available in every department, and on the Intranet.
The Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA) of 1990 requires facilities to report medical device incidents
that involve serious injury, serious illness, or death.
The OSHA regulation called Hazard Communication requires facilities to provide information and
training regarding hazardous materials to all employees. The Material Safety Data Sheets can be
found in the Hazardous Materials and Waste Management (HazMat) Plan Manual located in the
Emergency Department and through the HazSoft (MSDS) icon on every computer desktop. You are
responsible to know the location of the HazMat Manual in your assigned area! The MSDS' use the
trade name of materials and include information regarding: whom to contact for emergency
information, Toxicity Hazards, Health Hazards, Fire & Explosion Hazards, and Precautions for Safe
Handling.
Hospital Security is the responsibility of all staff, students, visitors, volunteers, and Security Officers.
Keep alert and notify Security of any problems. Do not bring valuables with you, as there is no place
to secure them. Our facilities are smoke-free. Smoking is only allowed outside of the hospital in
designated employee smoking areas. Students are not allowed to smoke in the patient/visitor
smoking areas. Contact an employee to find the designated employee smoking areas.
BODY MECHANICS
Following principles of positive body mechanics can help to prevent back pain/strain or other injuries.
Musculoskeletal injuries are not only painful but they are costly and may result in long-term disability.
By adopting positive body mechanics you can lessen your chance of injury.
Lifting is the most common cause of back injury for healthcare workers. With poor body mechanics,
lifting even a slight weight can put excessive strain on your lower back.
When lifting follow these important guidelines:
• Do not twist your body when moving or lifting. Pivot with your hips and shoulders in line.
• Keep the load to be lifted close to your body. Face the object you are lifting or moving. Holding a
load away from your body can place much more stress on your back than holding it close.
• Bend your knees, not your back. Keep your lower back straight. Lift with your leg muscles, not
your back muscles. Tighten your stomach muscles.
• Avoid lifting objects above your waist. If you must do so, stop halfway to set the load on a table
and change your grip.
• Get help and plan ahead, especially when lifting patients or heavy objects. Do not try to do it
alone! Plan the lift before starting. With patients, explain the procedure to them and allow them to
help, within their abilities. Use mechanical lift devices only with the assistance of a staff member.
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Standing If it is necessary for you to stand for prolonged periods, place one foot on a low stool or
other object. This will take pressure off your back. Change your position frequently. Bring your work
to a comfortable level to avoid bending over. Avoid awkward movements, including reaching, twisting,
or bending over. Remember to bend your knees and hips, not your back.
Sitting Pressure on your lower back can actually be greatest when you are sitting. What can you do
to minimize this pressure and prevent back strain? Sit in a chair low enough to place both feet on the
floor; use a stool for your feet if necessary. Adjust your chair so your knees are at least as high as
your hips. Sit with your back firmly against the chair. Protect your lower back with a lumbar support or
rolled-up towel. Adjust your position frequently. Get up and stretch!
Repetitive Motion Injuries Repeating the same motion over and over is a common cause of
muscle and joint problems. If your work involves repetitive motions, you may be at risk for a
Repetitive Motion Injury. The following general tips may help you avoid injury:
 Change your position and your tasks frequently.
 Alternate your tasks rather than doing the same activity for a lengthy time.
 Organize your work area so you don't have to reach or bend to get supplies.
 Adjust your chairs, tabletops, keyboards, computer screens, and equipment to the proper
level so you can avoid bending over your work.
 Use protective equipment as needed — back supports, footstools, and padded wrist rests to
prevent muscle and skeletal strain!
Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle In addition to following these positive body mechanics principles, a
healthy lifestyle will help prevent injury. Listen to the advice of experts:
•
•
•
•
Exercise regularly to keep your body in shape and your muscles strong.
Control your weight. Extra pounds place an added stress on your muscles and bones.
Get the proper rest your body needs.
Relax! Tension makes your muscles tighten up. Try to control your stress level.
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INFORMATION FOR NURSING STUDENTS
Student Assignments As with students in all clinical departments, Nursing Students are assigned
to a specific location with their Clinical Instructor. Observation in other departments is only allowed
with direct permission of the Education Department. Students are only allowed in the clinical area
when their instructor is in the hospital. It is not permissible for students to arrive in the clinical area
(for instance, to review charts) when their instructor is not in the hospital. The students are assigned
to certain patients, not staff members, unless this is a Senior Practicum rotation, where the student is
assigned to a staff preceptor without the instructor here every day.
Medications are given only under the supervision of the Clinical Instructor. Always be sure to
properly document medications at the time they are given. Recapping of needles is not permitted.
Safety Lock syringes are available for giving injections to patients at high risk for blood-borne
pathogen transmission.
IV Therapy is performed only under the direct supervision of the Clinical Instructor. Always use the
needleless IV system for connecting IV tubings as well as for flushing IV lines.
Blood Transfusions Students/Instructors are not permitted to administer or regulate blood
transfusions or infusions of blood products. This is strictly the responsibility of the assigned staff RN.
Blood Glucose Monitoring In compliance with CAP standards, only hospital staff, who have
demonstrated competency, are permitted to perform blood glucose monitoring. Students may assist
the RN, LPN or CNA with blood glucose testing but must be under the direct supervision of the staff
member, with the staff nurse accompanying the student. The student must use the staff nurse's blood
glucose meter ID number. The staff nurse will document the results on the eMAR. Any violation of
this policy is grounds for immediate removal of the student from our facility.
The Clinical Instructor signs off on procedures completed.
Documentation Documentation in the Medical Record is per the instruction of the Clinical
Instructor. Refer to the information in the Risk Management section for further information.
Remember, you may never make copies of the patient's Medical Record!
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SPECIFICS OF PERINATAL SERVICES AT BRANDON REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Your assignment in Perinatal Services may include observation and/or experience(s) in the Labor &
Delivery Unit, Mother/Baby (“Post-Partum”) Unit, the Ante-Partum Observation (AOB) Unit, and/or
the GYN unit. Students are not assigned in the Progressive Care Nursery or in the Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit. A Lactation Consultant is available. Families participate in Child Care and Discharge
Instruction classes. Opportunities are available for students to observe childbirth, insert foley
catheters, perform newborn assessments, instruct parents on Newborn Care...all under direction of
the Staff Nurse and the Clinical Instructor. Ask questions as needed and be sure to communicate
all findings ASAP to the appropriate staff nurse.
Family Centered Care is emphasized and bonding between the parents and infant is encouraged.
Childbirth is generally a positive experience — for the patients as well as for staff and students.
Nurses must use their skills to recognize normal vs. abnormal findings and to treat and prevent
complications that may arise. The many changes occurring in the woman's body and in the newborn
in the first few hours require sharp assessment, support, and teaching skills. The changes may result
in a mother who is tearful and in need of lots of supportive care. It's our philosophy to be there to
provide compassionate skilled care.
Patient confidentiality is of prime importance.
 No information may be released over the phone or verbally to family/visitors.
 Refer all requests for information to the staff nurse or patient, as applicable.
 It is the patient's responsibility and right to give out whatever information they want
family/friends to know.
 Visitation is according to the patient's wishes as long as it doesn't affect the patient's well
being.
 Sibling visitation is permitted; non-sibling children are not permitted to visit.
Special security measures are in place. Staff is the first line of defense in protecting our patients.
 Hospital staff assigned to Women & Children's Services wear a hospital ID badge with a
yellow background.
 Patients are instructed to only give their baby to a hospital staff member with a yellow ID
badge.
 Students should promptly report any unusual or suspicious persons or behavior.
 Students may not transport infants to or from the mother’s room/nursery.
 All infants have a security bracelet; security alarms are located throughout the units where
babies are located.
 Access to the Womens’ Services units is strictly monitored. All visitors must stop at the
security desk and be checked in prior to going to these units.
You may encounter a Code Pink while you are here. This refers to a suspected or witnessed child
abduction, or a security alarm is set off if someone attempts to remove a baby from the facility. When
a Code Pink is in progress, the staff will actively search for a suspicious person(s); no one is allowed
to enter or leave the hospital until the All Clear is paged.
Infection Control is strictly emphasized.
No long or artificial fingernails and minimal jewelry being worn.
Nail polish is prohibited.
A three-minute scrub up to the elbows with antiseptic soap is required.
Standard Precautions must be strictly followed to prevent exposure to blood and body fluids,
especially when moving patients and changing linens.
15
As in all areas, handwashing between each and every patient is mandatory as well as between each
patient and each baby.
Newborns are not bathed immediately.
 Babies must be stabilized first and then may be washed 4 to 6 hours after birth, based on
the baby’s condition.
 Always check with the staff nurse first; of course, gloves must be worn.
 Adhere to regulations regarding proper disposal of biomedical waste
The mother's Length of Stay is related to factors including her condition and the type of delivery
(Vaginal or C-Section). In general, patients who have a Vaginal Delivery may be discharged in 24 to
48 hours while those who have a C-section may be discharged the second or third day after delivery.
Assessment and reassessment is based on the patient's condition as well as our Standard of Care for
each patient. Check with your Clinical Instructor who will know the most current standards for your
assigned unit.
Again, welcome to our hospital! We hope your student experience here will be challenging and
rewarding.
16
BRANDON REGIONAL HOSPITAL
STUDENT ORIENTATION DOCUMENTATION FORM
I have read and reviewed the Student Orientation Booklet. I understand my responsibilities
in terms of:
•
Parking Regulations
•
Student Responsibilities: if unable to report for scheduled clinical rotation, for
reporting to assigned staff member, and General Conduct
•
Maintaining patient confidentiality, HIPAA
•
Occurrence Reporting
•
Student Injury
•
Information Management
•
Informed Patient Consent, Patient Restraint Devices, and Patient Rights
*
Core Measures
*
Patient Safety Goals
•
Documentation in charts; Never copy patients' Medical Records
•
Reporting suspected victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
•
Adhering to Infection Control Guidelines including: Handwashing, Standard and
Transmission Based Precautions, TB Exposure Control Plan, Biomedical Waste
Management, Proper Sharps Disposal, No Recapping Needles, and Proper Work
Practices, Artificial Fingernails
•
Emergency Code Number, Reporting and Response, including Code Red and
RACE procedure, Utility Safety and SMDA
•
MSDS Manual
•
Security; No smoking in hospital; Smoking Outside in Designated Employee
Smoking Areas only
•
Body Mechanics and prevention of injury
•
Nursing Students: Assignments, Medications, IV Therapy, Blood/Blood Product
Transfusion, Blood Glucose Monitoring, and Documentation
•
Nursing Students @ Perinatal Services: Assignments, Confidentiality, Infection
Control, Security, Code Pink, Standards of Care
PRINT SCHOOL NAME
PROGRAM TITLE:
PRINT INSTRUCTOR'S NAME:
INCLUSIVE DATES:
PRINT STUDENT'S NAME:
STUDENT'S SIGNATURE:
DATE:
INSTRUCTOR'S SIGNATURE:
Instructors...Please return completed forms on first clinical day to:
Brandon Regional Hospital: Education Department
119 Oakfield Drive
Brandon, FL 33511
Thank-you!
Rev. 12/07