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Many Charge Nurses Receive Little, if Any, Training

Charge nurses are responsible for patient flow, moving them from the waiting room to appropriate disposition. To be effective, these nurses must understand the clinical conditions of the patients in the waiting room. This informs good decision-making on which patients to bring in, in collaboration with the triage nurse, and which nurses to assign those patients.

Misconceptions About Homelessness Put Patients, EDs at Risk

Engage these patients in care plans the same as anyone else. Ensure the patient understands the treatment plan, and can carry it out if discharged.

Legally Protective Charting Sticks to the Facts

Charts containing emotional statements, accusations, and speculations might be compelling reading, but they are legally problematic.

Documentation Mistakes Lead to Significant Malpractice Awards

Ensure charts are generated honestly, and check to make sure key care decisions are carefully documented regarding consent.

New Checklist Offers Roadmap for Improved Diagnostic Performance

Researchers created 10 high-priority practices they maintain are key to promoting diagnostic excellence.

Call Patients to Reinforce Discharge Instructions, Stress Need for Follow-Up Care

Follow-up calls to patients after they have been discharged may be far down on the priority list for busy EDs. However new data suggest such calls can ensure patients understand their discharge instructions and prevent repeat visits.

Remain Vigilant for Signs of Monkeypox

Emergency clinicians should include the possibility of monkeypox in any patient presenting with early symptoms suggestive of the illness and certainly for those with a new rash and epidemiological risk factors.

The Case for a Team Approach to Manage Agitated Patients

While many EDs have instituted mechanisms to quickly trigger security staff, a Connecticut hospital created a unique team-based protocol that includes security and clinicians. Everyone works together to protect staff and prevent the need for restraints, sedatives, or other potentially harmful interventions. After three years, staff report they feel safer, and new data show the approach is associated with a lower rate of physical restraint use.