There is a good margin of error with nurses programming data into my machine wrong. We have high ratios and I'm sure the errors can be attributed to the fact that there are too many patients per worker. It is very serious when they put wrong data in the machine. I have cramped or been fluid overloaded too many times now. I've realized the only way I can safeguard myself is if I watch and check all data put on the machine. I have been checking my written goal. But although that is correct, they still put the wrong data on the machine. Most patients I know do not care to check the nurse, but I feel it's essential. My unit sort of takes the attitude that they want the patient to stay out of their way, but don't you think it's important for patients to double check their figures so they know they'll have a safe run?

Phil:

I feel that the best patients I have ever worked with are the ones who do check up on me. I make mistakes just like the next person, and with two of us on the case, mistakes are less likely to happen. Furthermore, the person who is interested enough to check my work means they truly care about the treatment they are receiving - and want to have the best possible treatment possible.

With that said, I must say this: not everyone feels that way. Some health care workers are insulted when someone else checks behind them. Some patients feel that they shouldn't need to check on the staff - after all, they are paid to do the job correctly.

I certainly can respect those opinions, however, they are not mine. I would be happy to hear from others who want to professionally express their thoughts and ideas on this subject.

I would advise you, however, to do this: not only check the math basically on the treatment sheet, but also take a look at the fluid goal setting on the machine to see if the amounts are the same. If you reuse, you are asked to check the dialyzer prior to hook up. Just make this part of your pre dialysis checks that you do for yourself.

If you don't know which part of the screen indicates the fluid goal, ask for someone to show you where it is. They should be able to do this for you, without a problem.

I hope this helps, and I can not overemphasize the need to stay ever vigilant. I haven't seen your clinic, and I don't want anyone to think I am judging anything, but after all, it is your treatment, and your life. If you go to the hospital, and the nurse comes in to give you an injection, you would ask what it was, wouldn't you? This is just an extension of that. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to have the best possible treatment you possibly can.

Best wishes,
Carol

I think it would be a good idea to learn as much as you can about how your machine is programmed. I appreciate it when a patient double checks my calculations and programming. No one should be in such a rush that these kinds of mistakes are made frequently. Also, at our center, it is the responsiblity of the nurse to make sure that all calculations and programs are correct when rounds are made.

Debby:

I am glad to hear you say that you also appreciate patients checking your work.

You make a very strong point when you say that no individual should be so rushed that frequent, preventable errors are occuring. Maybe we all need to remember back to the days when we were brand new to dialysis and it took us a while to place a patient on dialysis. Certainly those checks and balances we were taught then still apply.

Thanks for commenting. Have a great holiday season!
Carol