Camp Zero: Educating and Empowering Nursing Assistants As Primary Agents for Skin Health Maintenance and Pressure Ulcer Prevention in an ACUTE Care Facility

Nursing Assistants (NA’s) as frontline caregivers provide first line defense in the maintenance of skin health and pressure ulcer prevention. Empowerment via education elevates confidence to report their observations at the bedside. Knowing the difference between normal and abnormal allows opportunity for the nursing assistant to take the lead in communication to the nurse, as early signs of skin breakdown become evident. Direct communication from the NA to the RN results in timely initiation of prevention interventions. Providing information on skin care products, when and where to apply, empowers the nursing assistant to implement prevention measures. Objectives included an understanding of the significance of the pressure ulcer problem, their role in prevention, autonomy in “saving skin”, most important, in turning and positioning on schedule. 

The Pennsylvania Hospital Engagement Network (PA-Hen) Pressure Ulcer Prevention Project funded by CMS is committed to patient safety, and supports member hospitals in the development and maintenance of programs which would decrease hospital acquired conditions and preventable readmissions. A Galley Walk Process identified five areas of improvement in our pressure ulcer program, specifically being addition of an educational opportunity for nursing assistants and to make them feel valued as members of the Nursing Team.

Camp Zero is named for the Pa Hen Project Motto “Chasing Zero”. To get there the best starting point is at the bedside. The course is designed for Nursing Assistants. Information presented during this program, is the same information presented to Skin Health RN Champions. Nursing assistants need to have the same information as nurses in less detail. A one hour program focused on preventive skin care, nutrition, forces leading to pressure ulcers, staging, support surfaces & linens, and the significance of the NA documentation. Open discussion encouraged opportunities for questions, and concerns.  This poster presentation will illustrate measures of program successes.