06.26.13
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Alert: Heparin Vial Labeling

In November 2012, the National Alert Network (NAN) reported that the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) updated labeling standards for Heparin Sodium Injection, USP and Heparin Lock Flush Solution, USP (including heparin prefilled flush solutions). The labeling changed from dose of drug per ml, to the identification of the total amount of drug per vial. These revised standards were official May, 1, 2013.

Significance: Misreading of the label has led to dangerous and deadly heparin overdoses.

Implications for Practice: Pharmacists, staff nurses, physicians, nurse educators, and risk managers need to have a heightened awareness of the heparin label changes.

Recommended Best Practices to Minimize Patient Risk:

  • Computer databases should express drug amounts to be consistent with vial labeling.
  • Separate heparin vials and use older vials with older labels first before dispensing the vials with updated labeling.
  • Completely transition to newly labeled heparin and discard older vials.
  • Place high-alert drug warnings on automated medication dispensers.
  • Restrict multi-dose heparin vials.
  • Keep unit stock vials as small as possible to limit the potential of heparin overdoses.
  • If a heparin bolus is required, consider heparin bolus doses dispensed from a pharmacy.

For more information: http://www.nccmerp.org/pdf/nANAlertJune2013.pdf

06.26.13
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MNA NewsScan, June 26, 2013

NOTES ON NURSING

MNA at the 2013 Staff Nurse Assembly   Minnesota nurses made up one of the biggest collections of delegates at the annual National Nurses United conference in San Francisco.

Global Nurses United of Nurse, Healthcare Unions, Born   Leaders of the premiere nurses and health care workers unions in 14 nations in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe have announced plans to form a new international organization to step up the fight against the harmful effects of austerity measures, privatization, and cuts in health care services that they say are putting people and communities at risk across the planet.

HEALTH CARE NEWS

Government Imposes $4M Fine on Kaiser for Limiting Patient Access to Mental Health Care   ”This action confirms what every Kaiser clinician knows,” said Dr. Andris Skuja, PhD, a psychologist at Kaiser Oakland. “Kaiser doesn’t take mental health care for its patients seriously. Our patients have serious needs. The last thing they need is for their care to be illegally curtailed by an HMO that’s already making billions in profits, just so Kaiser can make a few more pennies on the dollar at patients’ expense.”

McKesson CEO’s Pension Reported at a Record $159M    ”Compensation consultants say it’s by far the largest pension on file for a current executive of a public company, and almost certainly the largest ever in corporate America.”

Sen. Grassley:  ”Who Approved These Hospital CEO Bonuses?”  The Iowa Republican was responding to a report by Kaiser Health News and ABC News that showed CEOs reaping bonuses for profit, revenue and other financial goalseven as policymakers talk about the need to promote efficiency instead of volume.

 

LABOR UPDATES

Striking Shakopee Laborers Step Up Pressure with Ad Campaign  Union workers at Cretex Companies are stepping up pressure for a fair contract by airing ads on three Twin Cities radio stations. Members of Laborers Local 563 went on strike June 19, pledging to walk the picket line until Cretex abandons its attempt to strip workers of their pension benefits.

06.25.13
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Giving nurses a break: Presenteeism and Patient Safety

Have you ever worked a shift when you had a minor cough or the sniffles? What about with an IV line in your arm? As incredible as it may seem, as recently reported by the China Post, some nurses at understaffed hospitals in Taiwan have been photographed engaging in extreme acts of presenteeism (working while sick).  There have been a number of studies clearly demonstrating that working while sick is not a good idea and potentially harmful not only to nurses and… Continue reading →