Rich Healthcare

Joint Commission Highlights Infection Prevention in Accreditation Surveys

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:31:17 +0000

While compiling some information for our Joint Commission Requirements Made Easy webinar series, I came across an article packed with useful information. Karin Lillis, a freelance writer for Infection Control Today, interviewed Louise Kuhny, RN, MPH, MBA, CIC, clinical educator for accreditation and certification operations for the Joint Commission, to compile a list of suggestions to ease the anxiety and angst infection preventionists may feel upon surprise Joint Commission surveys.

The article lists some basic strategies to help prepare in advance for survey readiness including:

Being ready at the opening conference.
Keeping infection control surveillance data up-to-date.
Collaborating with Employee Health to ensure compliance with JC immunization standards.

However, several other suggestions caught my eye as strategies easily overlooked and unknown to healthcare organizations seeking JC accredidiation.

Customize infection control plans to meet facility’s needs.

Facilities pride themselves on the unique characteristics which make them stand out among the competition. In the same manner, every facility is unique and needs attention put into all types of disaster preparedness and infection control plans. Cookie cutting infection control is easily spotted by JC surveyors!

Study National Patient Safety Goal No. 7

Focused on reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections, this NPSG is easily misinterpreted. Kuhny explains that one common misconception is that only patients with central lines in ICU need to be on infection surveillance when all patients facility wide need to be on the surveillance rotation. For a speed course in NPSG 7 check out this webinar made available by The Joint Commission:

NPSG 7 Healthcare-Associated Infections Webinar
From the Bedside to the C-Suite

Sterilization and disinfection processes – Hot Topics for JC Surveyors Right Now

In depth training for surveyors on these two items makes them near experts on the subjects of sterilization and disinfection right now. Aren’t you glad you got that tip off before the surveyors showed up!

As you can tell, this article was packed with useful information for facilities approaching or preparing for a JC survey. Check out the full article for more details on the items above and many others.

testimonial 1

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:36:36 +0000

I work for RHS because they are fair, trustworthy, and truly care about the staff that works for them.Janet – RN

testimonial 2

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:35:56 +0000

I have worked for RHS as a traveler since Sept. of 2007. RHS doesn’t nickel and dime me to death with murky payroll deductions, they don’t waste paper with multiple application processes, they let you know they appreciate you, and they are looking for the best fit for your employment needs. After working for so many years with the expectation that my employer is going to take advantage of me, it has been wonderful to work the past three years with an employer who doesn’t

testimonial 3

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:35:12 +0000

Dependability, Quick response to questions and problems, personable, good pay rates, good healthcare, NO BS!!!! – Carmen, Certified Surgical Technologist

testimonial 4

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:34:02 +0000

I went to work for RHS due to the personalized treatment I recieved. I have worked for other companies that you know just want you to fill a spot. I have also worked for companies who double and triple book their employees so they think there is work, just to cancel at the last minuete. This is their way of keeping employees from going any where else for work? RHS has competetive wages, they back their employess 100%, and choose only the best coworkers for me. Keep being their for me! – Jodi OR Tech

testimonial 12

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:30:29 +0000

I like the care and concern displayed by Rich and the prompt way he handles different situations. I Read More...

testimonial 11

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:29:40 +0000

I had worked for about 3 other travel agencies before RHS. The most significant difference is that with RHS I am not treated as ” just another employee” as I was with the other companies. The staff (non-clinical) with RHS has always been personable and professional (not that I’ve ever had a lengthy conversation with anyone other than you…but you know what I’m sayin’;), and I don’t feel like just another number on the payroll. RHS lives up to what and who represents it, “DOES YOUR AGENCY WORK FOR YOU….OR DO YOU WORK FOR YOUR AGENCY?”. For an agency to stand out for its customer service and reliability for its employees and not so much the amount of $ that they offer is really saying something.

testimonial 10

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:28:57 +0000

I was previously working for Med Staff Agency and swithched to RHS, simply because of Rich and how wonderful and responsive he was to my work schedule. He is always professional and a pleasure to deal with. Over the past couple of years has become a friend and not only the boss. I am impressed how well he runs the agency and commend him on how well he manages his business. RHS is by far the most impressive agency to be employed by.

testimonial 9

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:28:00 +0000

I came to work for RHS because Rich and his company has an outstanding positive reputation amongst the healthcare professionals. I’ve stayed with RHS because Rich and his staff have a warm way of making sure nurses don’t feel like just another warm body to fill the needs of the healthcare system. I’ve stayed with RHS because they are genuinely concerned about the welfare of their nurses. I would never consider working for any previous agencies that I’ve worked for nor would I ever leave RHS because I enjoy and cherish working with someone who strives to make me feel important to the vision of their company. RHS is a personable company to work with and I treasure the respect shown to me by Rich and his staff members. RHS is an extension of my family and I am honored to be considered part of the team.

testimonial 8

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:26:59 +0000

I like the fact that the sign up process was so easy. You made everything convenient and my pay was always there within a week with no drama.
It is my pleasure and honor to have the opportunity to express why I work for RHS.

testimonial 7

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:25:52 +0000

RHS is unique because you provide personalized attention to each employee and are fair. You also are the world’s best boss and your office staff are helpful and friendly. When I work with you, it feels like we are a team and a family. Hope this helps and hav a great holiday.

testimonial 6

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:24:14 +0000

YOU are the reason I came to the company..ONLY YOU!!!! You are loyal to your employees, thoughtful, kind and all those other wonderful things! Why too many to enumerate in this space. You offer compassion when needed and constantly strive to work FOR your employees to help them find the right fit for them and their different styles of work. What more can I say. You are the reason I stay.

testimonail 5

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:23:13 +0000

I have worked as a traveler for many yrs for different companies in the past and I have worked for RHS in that time as well. RHS has a – very personal connection with the traveler who works for the company and works very hard to keep your schedule, time, and money in order. RHS is more than a company, they care about their clients and the travelers who work for them and are far more competitive in salary, contracts, and even benefit wise than most. They make every person feel important and will make sure that they check and follow up on every assignment or contract , even after it is over. RHS will take time to listen and help in any way to help you work out any situation no matter what time of the day or night and will always be honest and dedicated to make their clients and travelers happy. RHS is an amazing company that will work hard for you . I trust RHS with all of my traveler needs and assignments. It is a company you can trust!