Wearing Name Bands
As a patient at UW Hospitals, you (or your child) are required to wear a name band. This is for your safety. The hospital has between 250 and 400 patients at any given time who meet many, many staff. Patients come and go each day. At times, patients with common names can be in the hospital at the same time. Also, parents may have the best intention to be with their child 24 hours a day, but you never know when you may need to step out of the room for a moment, head to the bathroom, or take a brief nap. At all times, the staff needs to be able to identify your child using a name band. As part of our commitment to patient safety, please remind your nurse if your ID band has been removed for any reason.
Your name band is unique to you. It is used to ensure that the care meant for you is given to you and no one else, that you get the right medicines while awake or asleep, and that the hospital staff get you to the correct places.
Who checks name bands and why?
- Nurses each time they give medicines.
- Lab staff each time they draw your blood.
- Respiratory Therapy staff each time they give you a treatment.
- Patient Escort each time they take you to and from your room.
- Nursing Assistants each time they check blood sugars
The name band is plastic and can be worn on your wrist or ankle. It needs to be tight enough that it stays on, but should be loose enough to be comfortable. Please let your nurse know if it bothers you or if it falls off. Your nurse or nursing assistant will help you find a comfortable way to wear your name band. Thank you for wearing your name band while in the hospital.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/14/2008
Copyright © 08/14/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5979
Print Health Fact For You