We all have a different skill set and a unique way we approach things. How we approach the topic of medication safety on a day to day basis is no different. For those of us who hold active positions in the area of medication safety, I’m guessing we’ve all been in situations where we have heard the following words screaming in our heads, “Oh my!”. Your words may have been different…but you get my meaning! You encounter situations or discover things where staff should have known better. Unfortunately, not all staff have the big picture on safety. and even when they do, things still creep into the workplace which is why regular spot checks and hands on walk-throughs are essential.
I did a walk-through this week at LASH. Of course, this is a bit of a different situation as my team is a new team and we worked fast to get the department up and running. It’s no surprise I would find a few “oh my” issues. It did remind me though of other “oh my” discoveries at previous hospitals that were established and running on auto-pilot. Things creep in and periodic reviews are needed. My advice to you is: Just get out there. Peruse the shelves, walk the floors, talk to the staff and spend a day with a technician. You will be amazed at what you learn.
What further helps to reveal reality is when our personal thinking ceases to take reality for granted. –Criss Jami
