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Author Archives: Susann Nienhaus, RN, JD
The Joint Commission Reported Transfusion-Related Sentinel Events
Last fall The Joint Commission (TJC) published sentinel event data from 2004 through the first 3 quarters of 2011.1 While TJC cautions that this data is not epidemiologically meaningful because the events are for the most part voluntarily self-reported and … Continue reading
Posted in Patient Safety, Stewardship
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Blood Administration from The Joint Commission Perspective
The Joint Commission (TJC) has been evaluating and accrediting hospital laboratory services since 1979 and freestanding laboratories since 1995. Today, approximately 3,000 clinical laboratories have earned TJC accreditation and the Gold Seal of Approval™. In compliance with CLIA regulations, Joint … Continue reading
Posted in Stewardship
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Improving Blood Transfusion Consent
Some time ago my delightful 80+ year-old grandmother was diagnosed with a GI bleed that led to hospitalization and multiple transfusions. As I am the only nurse in the family, she made a point to tell me that she needed blood … Continue reading
Posted in Patient Safety
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Wrong Patient – Wrong Unit: Preventing Transfusion Errors
Previous newsletter articles have discussed the importance of appropriate transfusion decisions as a critical element of transfusion safety, as well as the role of bedside nursing as vigilant advocates during the transfusion administration process. This month’s article focuses on the … Continue reading
