Prior to giving medication, nursing staff uses eMar — a computerized bar coding system that confirms the right medication is given to the right patient, at the right dose, and the right time.

• For certain medications, two independent nursing checks are necessary to ensure the proper administration.
• Whenever possible, medications are administered in “unit doses”, that is, the proper specific dose for a given patient is sent directly from the pharmacy.
• All drugs are calculated by the metric system of patient weights. Upon admission each patient has a drug sheet with emergency drugs calculated to his/her body weight on the chart in the event of an emergency.
• Prior to any blood draws or tests, the patient’s name and date of birth are checked.
• Prior to any blood or blood product transfusion, two nurses independently check the patient’s name and date of birth as well as the corresponding number on the blood product.
• The child’s parents may call for a “Rapid Response Team” if they feel their concerns about their child’s medical condition are not being addressed by the staff.

The quality of care for pediatric patients is also supported by the proper training and expertise of the medical and nursing staffs. All the nurses are specifically trained in pediatric care. They must pass periodic competency testing and the Pediatric Advanced Life Support course.

Medical staff members are, without exception, either board certified in their specialties or board eligible.

They are also required to complete continuing medical education credits in order to keep abreast of newer knowledge in their specialties, and their board certifications require periodic re-certification in their chosen fields.

• To be sure that we are providing the best medical care, RMHC formed the Pathways Committee to review specific diseases and make recommendations based on the most current medical evidence.

• This means the approach to your child’s care will be consistent and use the most current medical approach at all RMHC hospitals.

• A Quality Improvement (QI) team in each hospital monitors patient care, including any complications. The Pediatric QI Team reviews specific cases, disease research, or surgeries to compare our care to established levels reported in the medical literature and to develop approaches to constantly improve our treatments.

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