Tag: safety

Safety First: Navigating Midwest Winters with Care

At Fidelity On Call, the safety and well-being of our team are always our top priorities. As anyone familiar with the Midwest knows, the weather here can be incredibly unpredictable.

It’s not uncommon to start your day with a crisp, clear morning and end it in the middle of a surprise snowstorm. January will likely be no exception. This season brings unique challenges, but with a little preparation, we can face whatever Mother Nature has in store.

Here are a few reminders to help our travel nurses stay safe this winter:

  • Stay informed. Check the weather forecast before heading to bed, no matter your schedule. Preparing ahead ensures you’re ready to tackle the day’s conditions, no matter how unpredictable they might be.
  • Give yourself extra time. Even with the most accurate forecasts, the Midwest can still surprise us. Set your alarm a little earlier to assess the weather and prepare for your commute without added stress.
  • Take it slow. Whether you’re navigating icy roads or walking across a slippery parking lot, rushing increases the risk of accidents. Prioritize safety over speed—it’s always worth it.
  • Trust your instincts. Pay attention to your body and those small inner cues. If something feels off or needs attention, don’t ignore it. Maintaining your routine and addressing concerns early helps you stay focused, healthy, and ready for what lies ahead.

By staying vigilant and proactive, we can all get through the challenges of winter safely and confidently. Thank you for everything you do and remember—your well-being is just as important as the incredible care you provide to others. Stay safe, stay warm, and let’s conquer this season together!

Super Moon Energy And Travel Nurse Safety

There’s something magical—and a little wild—about an October full moon, especially for nurses. We’ve all heard the stories (and probably lived through a few ourselves). It’s like the moon tugs at the strings of chaos, leaving us to navigate the unexpected. From strange incidents to sudden surges in activity, nurses everywhere know that a full moon shift can feel like anything can happen.

This October, we’re in for something extra special: a super moon. Whether you’re a believer in lunar effects or not, one thing is for sure—this season brings heightened energy, and it’s crucial to stay alert and take care of yourself as you help others.

With fall in full swing and Halloween just around the corner, it’s also a time when the days get shorter, the air gets crisper, and the sense of anticipation grows. As a travel nurse, you’re no stranger to fast-paced environments, but remember to take a moment to breathe and prepare. Safety is always key, especially with the whirlwind of the season. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Drive Carefully. Midwestern weather can be unpredictable, especially in October. Wind, rain, or even the odd snowfall can make driving tricky. Slow down and stay cautious on the road, no matter how familiar you are with your route.

• Slow Down. The holiday rush can make everyone feel like they’re in a race against time. Don’t forget that your safety—and well-being—should always come first. It’s okay to take it easy.

• Never Leave Candles Unattended. We all love the warm, cozy scents of fall candles, but safety comes first. Always blow them out if you’re stepping out of the room, even for a moment.

• Lock Up. Sadly, the holiday season often sees a rise in crime. Double-check that your home and car are secure before settling in for the night. A little extra caution can go a long way.

As we embrace the unique energy of the October moon and the approaching holidays, let’s remember to stay grounded, safe, and focused. At Fidelity On Call, we’re committed to supporting you through this season of heightened activity and celebration. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back.

Now, let’s enjoy the glow of the moon and the magic of October together!

National Safety Month

As a company, Fidelity On Call prioritizes the safety of our employees, not only while working in hospitals, but in their everyday lives. That is why looking out for one another, reporting issues, and taking care of our community comes first.

We recognize this alongside National Safety Month in June. National Safety Month was created to ensure that injury and harm are reduced in every area of one’s life: at work, at home, and in every community. In order to do so, we must look out for one another.

Safety is important to thrive in every other aspect of life. It is up to each of us to keep our partners, coworkers, friends and family safe.

Fidelity On Call strives to ensure the safety of our healthcare family. In order to do so, we have a few tips to leave you with:

– Look out for one another.

– See something, say something.

– Talk to one another.

– Lead by example.

– Share information and safety precautions.

– Never assume something has already been reported.

Summer Heat Requires Summer Safety

With spring in full bloom, summer is just around the corner. Many of us might be excited about going to the pool, taking a vacation, camping, or just being out and about in the sun.

The safety and health of our team members is one of our top priorities. While we are all excited to hear about your next adventure, we want to remind our superhero nurses to watch out for themselves as much as they watch out for others. Summer may be fun and warm, but there are some dangerous and even sneaky illnesses that can occur when you are having the most fun.

Below are some common illnesses that can happen to anyone during the hottest time of year, and some preventatives to battle them with.

Dehydration

As one of the most common medical emergencies in the summer, making sure to drink plenty of fluids when out in the sun is important to keep yourself healthy. It is important to remember that if you are severely dehydrated, this must be treated in a medical facility. While your first thought might be to push as many fluids as possible as soon as possible, this can potentially do more harm than good. Sip slowly and allow your body to catch up.

Sun Poisoning

A simple sunburn is not uncommon in the summer, however, a severe sunburn, aka sun poisoning, is a bit more serious. This can form blisters, bumps, and a rash on your skin from exposure. Sun poisoning can last for 2 to 3 days or persist for weeks with flu-like symptoms. So it is important to ensure that you, and those you are close with, wear sunscreen, reapply, and take some breaks in the shade to protect your skin.

Heat Exhaustion

As your body temperature continues to rise, and struggles to cool down, heat exhaustion can take over. Signs are excessive sweating and a rapid, weak heart rate. A person’s skin may be clammy, and they may be dizzy and/or nauseous. Their muscles might start cramping due to the heat and dehydration. This is reversible, by getting to a cooler area and using cold compresses to bring the body’s temperature back down.

Heat Stroke

This occurs when the body’s temperature goes over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, and the person is no longer sweating. They might now have a pounding headache, vomiting, and a rapid strong pulse. Their skin is red hot, and they might become unconscious. When this occurs, medical attention is immediately necessary.

Summer can be one of the best times of the year and we share these tips out of an abundance of caution. We hope you have a very safe and healthy summer! Can’t wait to see those vacation photos.

Protect Yourself From Workplace Violence

Did you know that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) classifies workplace violence into four basic types? Types II and III are the most common in the health care industry.

  • Type I: Involves “criminal intent.” In this type of workplace violence, “individuals with criminal intent have no relationship to the business or its employees.”
  • Type II: Involves a customer, client, or patient. In this type, an “individual has a relationship with the business and becomes violent while receiving services.”
  • Type III: Involves a “worker-on-worker” relationship and includes “employees who attack or threaten another employee.”
  • Type IV: Involves personal relationships. It includes “individuals who have interpersonal relationships with the intended target but no relationship to the business” (Iowa Prevention Research Center, 2001; NIOSH, 2006, 2013).

It is disheartening to realize that the very people who provide care, compassion, and medical assistance, and in many cases save a person’s life, are on the receiving end of violence. While we do acknowledge that many of our clients have excellent security and steps in place to help prevent such occurrences, we know there is a long way to go for many facilities and there must be an overhaul to stop such violence. Fidelity On Call acknowledges there are many contributing factors to the increase of workplace violence.

Here are some tips that we can offer travelers to help avoid and/or educate themselves for such events happening to them while on assignment.

1) De-escalation training

Knowing how to defuse a hostile situation has been shown to be more effective than having armed guards in a hospital. Formal training in how to de-escalate a tense situation or encounter can have a major impact on the safety of doctors, nurses, guards, or other staff members. There are classes available online and in-person.

2) Ask to review the facility you are contracted at WPV Prevention Plan

We must acknowledge that there is an abnormally high risk of workplace violence breaking out in hospitals and clinics around the country and arm ourselves with as much information as we can. As a traveler, you may not be receiving the same thorough orientation as a staff member would. However, you can ask what the plan is for the facility, so you know how the facility would handle workplace violence and they have a plan in place should it occur.

In short, if you have a concern about a facility you are contracted in, you should immediately reach out to your recruiter to get further information. Your SAFETY is our PRIORITY.