It’s important to follow these steps after you finish taking care of a patient. Doing these steps every time helps you remember them and makes them a habit. This helps keep both you and your patients safe and healthy.

1. Lower the Patient’s Bed

If you raised the bed to take care of the patient, be sure to lower it back down to its lowest position. This helps prevent falls and keeps the patient safe.

Tip: Always check that the bed is locked in place after lowering it.

2. Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands stops the spread of germs and helps keep everyone healthy. Always wash your hands after finishing any patient care.

How to Wash Your Hands:

• Soap and Water: Scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to wash all parts of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails.
• Rinse: Rinse your hands with clean, running water.
• Hand Sanitizer: If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Rub it all over your hands until they are dry.

3. Write Down What You Did

Take notes about the care you provided, how the patient is doing, and any important information about the family or caregiver. Writing down what you did helps ensure the patient gets the best care.

Why It’s Important:

• Communication: Your notes help the healthcare team understand the patient’s condition and decide if any changes are needed in their care.
• Quality of Care: Detailed notes ensure the patient receives consistent and high-quality care.
• Legal Requirement: Accurate documentation is required by law. If you don’t record what you did, it’s as if the care never happened.

How to Document:

• Be Detailed: Write clearly about the care provided and any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Include Quotes: If the patient or family member says something important, use quotation marks to note their exact words.

Additional Tips:

• Double-Check: Before leaving, make sure the bed is in the correct position and locked, and confirm that all documentation is complete.
• Consistency: Make these steps a routine part of your care process to ensure nothing is missed.