Wow, here we meet again.
It's Thursday and the weekend is already upon us!
But before you rush out the door, let's take a moment to prepare and set ourselves up for success.
It's all about thinking through the who, what, and how before you leave today.
Identify At-Risk Residents:
Who is at risk for a possible hospital transfer over the weekend?
What can be put in place to prevent them from being transferred out to the hospital?
How will you monitor them over the weekend? Create a plan to keep these residents stable and avoid unnecessary transfers.
Preventive Measures:
Implement any necessary interventions, such as increased monitoring, additional fluids, or adjusting care plans, to prevent potential complications over the weekend.
Staffing Check:
Review the staffing schedule. Are there any holes in the schedule? Make sure all shifts are covered, and if not, develop a plan to fill those gaps. Knowing who is on call is crucial to avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Clear Communication:
Leave a list of specific events or situations that require the on-call person to be notified. This ensures that nothing falls through the cracks, and everyone is on the same page.
Manager on Duty (MOD):
Identify who will be the MOD for the weekend. This is important for handling new admissions and any unexpected events that may arise.
Supplies Inventory:
Verify that you have enough supplies to last through the weekend, including essentials like wipes, briefs, and any specialty items. Running out of supplies can cause unnecessary stress and impact care quality.
Medication Readiness:
Double-check that all prescriptions, especially for narcotics, are filled and up to date. This can prevent the weekend headache of trying to get a hold of an on-call provider to call in a prescription last minute.
Admissions Prep:
Get with your admissions director to see if any new residents are planned to come in over the weekend. Check the rooms to ensure they are ready and that all equipment, including beds, bedside tables, clocks, and call bells, are functioning properly.
Plan for Emergencies:
Have a clear plan in place for potential emergencies. Ensure that the team knows the procedures and has the necessary equipment and contact information to handle any situation that may arise.
Positive Mindset:
Lastly, go into the weekend with a positive mindset. You've prepared, you've planned, and now it's time to trust your team and enjoy a hopefully uneventful weekend.
"It's better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared." - Whitney M. Young, Jr.
Remember, the majority of issues happen because we fail to plan.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure a smoother, more manageable weekend.
Have an amazing weekend—let's make it a great one by planning ahead!
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