Comments on: JCAHO Hates Nurses and Coke

By: denice

denice — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:30:42 +0000

It is an OSHA regulation. Nearly two years ago, we had an surprise OSHA inspection. I was newly to my position as Clinical Leader (nurse manager). I was not on the unit when they showed up there. I have no idea where I was. But, as the OSHA inspector was standing there a doctor came in set down his unopened diet coke and unpeeled banana on the counter. The inspector quickly took a picture and sited us. The reasoning being specimens could also be placed there leading to the possibility of cross contamination.

The hospital was fined for an action of a non employee who chose to break the rules designed for their safety.

Yeah. I know

By: Healthcare Today

Healthcare Today — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:17:51 +0000

…

Things go better with Coke, especially when JCAHO is coming to town. Just don’t let them see you eating or drinking at the nurses station….

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:03:05 +0000

I suspect that your RN in the photo was drinking Coke because back then from what I understand Coke was made with small amounts of cocaine in it. I am not sure if that is true or not, but several of my parents friends and my parents have said it was a big deal way back when people would get hooked on the stuff. Coke with Lime, Coke with Lemon, diet Coke, ……..Coke with Coke, mmmmmmmmmmmm. I wonder how that would affect the PressGaney scores.

By: Cheri, MS, RN, CPHQ

Cheri, MS, RN, CPHQ — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:50:11 +0000

FYI, this is not a Joint Commission requiremnt it is an OSHA requirement.

By: Karin, RN

Karin, RN — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:09:59 +0000

In the hospitals where I work, we are allowed to have coffee or water . . . in the nurse’s station as long as the container is covered. Yes, even Coke if it’s in a bottle that can be capped. Of course, alcohol is not allowed. Wanna move in my neck of the woods?

By: Jean-Luc Picard

Jean-Luc Picard — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:56:29 +0000

We all need refreshment, don’t we?

By: Amrita

Amrita — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:03:05 +0000

Pretty cool site.
Can you please increase the font size. it will be easier to read

By: Mother Jones, RN

Mother Jones, RN — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:31:27 +0000

Hi Jody: I’m not sure if the realize that we all thumb our noses at them when they walk out the door. I think JCAHO people are oblivious to the real world. They live in their own little bubble.

By: jody

jody — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:53:37 +0000

Yeah I agree. We run around most times like Idiots..and they have a problem with us eating and drinking on the run LOL.
Do you think they know that as soon as they leave the building the cups come Out to play again?

By: tammy swofford

tammy swofford — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 01:26:34 +0000

Yes, all of the restrictive measures in the workplace to turn nurses into anorexic zombies bother me. Naturally, many a nurses lounge is right next to a bathroom, so you can also enjoy hearing the toilet flush while you eat your sandwich. We also enjoy microwave ovens that are twenty years old and off brand coffee from South America that has fillers such as burnt corn husks. It is hot and odorless.

Tammy