[AZ Male RN]

I have a question(s) for hospital nurses.
Please state what state your practicing in.

When you admit a patient.
1) does your hospital require a Risk for Fall assessment?
2) if so how long do you have to do one?
3) if the MD did not write activity orders, what activity do you allow?

Thanks
AZ Male RN

[MedicRN]

It's even more specific than the state in which you are licensed. #1 and #2 are JACHO requirements and #3 is facility/unit/MD specific.

However, my answers (Kansas)....
1) Yes
2) An assessment is required every 24 hours until discharge.
3) Depends on the doctor, but generally bedrest for my unit (Neuro ICU).

[cassioo]

#1yes
#2 done on admission we have a care plan with rating numbers they are made a risk if more then 3 points. You change it as needed if no risk but assess everyshift if risk present (usually not in L&D/postpartum
#3 usually as tolerated unless ruptured membranes and not engaged in general we have healthy pregnant women. if postop c/s or post hyst bedrest on OR day then up next day

[terase]

I am licensed in Rhode Island. My hospital does have risk/fall assessment included in the initial nursing assessment that must be completed within 34 hours of admission. We also have care plans that coordinate with the risk assessed.

[nursinghumor]

New Jersey

#1. Yes.
#2. Within 24 hours of admission, usually part of initial nursing assessment.
#3. If not written, we pin down the doctor and get specific orders.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[rnsince83]

The fall risk assessment is part of our admission process; it is on-going, built into the assessment. We also sticker the chart, the care plan, and post a sign above the bed. If there are no activity orders, it's "Up with assist" unless it's obvious the pt is debilitated and can't get up.

[LisaST]

Missouri
1. yes
2. upon admission and once every shift, changes made as needed.
3. activity as tolerated

[1mg.epi]

Arknasas
1. Yes.
2. On admission and every 24 hours
3. we have an ambulatory protocol