The nursing team on 14 West Tower (WT) has reached an impressive milestone – 500 days and counting without a Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI). Training, practice, diligence, team work and a collaborative focus on safety contributed to this team accomplishment.
Several new patient safety procedures were implemented to achieve this goal. Twice a year, each nurse on the unit completed return demonstration on a sterile dressing change and a sterile cap change during Critical Competency sessions, and thereafter got checked off on these skills at least once per quarter.
The unit recently started a new system in which all nurses are divided into three groups. Each group is assigned to a specific time of the year. During their assigned time, they work with central line champions to verify their central line maintenance techniques are up to par and are given real time live feedback. These observations ensure that each nurse performs these specialized skills in the safest and most evidence-based manner.
“We care for many patients on 14 WT who have central lines,” said Karen Santos, nightshift patient care manager on 14 WT. “Our team has been greatly involved and highly motivated to learn and diligently follow all of the correct steps and processes it takes to care for central lines.”
The Unit Quality Practice Council members also have been involved in these efforts to prevent CLABSIs by engaging all staff members on the importance of proper care of central lines. The unit has six nurses who volunteered to become central line champions. They attend monthly meetings to learn more about central line care, share any new knowledge and information with the rest of the team, complete monthly observations of central line care and access, help with annual check-offs, and act as safety advocates for our patients with central lines.
The 14 WT team takes pride in keeping our patients healthy, safe, and free of central line infections. The unit’s leadership team recognized this 500-day milestone with an early morning breakfast celebration to show how proud and appreciative they are of each and every nurse who helped bring this goal to fruition.
The countdown of success is constantly on display to remind 14 WT team members to keep patient safety on the forefront of their minds. Safety is our priority!