Ideas That Work: Infection Control

We're sticklers about ensuring staff wash or sanitize their hands before and after each patient contact. We use a secret code word, "Mango," to inform forgetful or non-compliant staff members to remove their gloves and head to the nearest sink or hand sanitizer dispenser. The code word is known only to staff members, so patients aren't aware of the discreet warning, and using it keeps us on our toes in a non-confrontational way. For a bit of fun and recognitions of jobs well done, we present a tiny stuffed toy that resembles a germ to the staff member who demonstrates the best hand hygiene compliance over the course of a month.

Karely Deal, RN
Centinela Valley
Endoscopy Center
Inglewood, Calif.
[email protected]