Latest clinical guidelines and updates
Latest guidelines and updates
Ensuring your safety and the safety of our clients is our highest priority. That’s why we are dedicated to keeping you informed with the most up-to-date industry standards and safety guidelines.
Below, you’ll find the latest Pulse Nursing at Home and industry updates, guidance, and resources designed to support you in your role.
Pulse Nursing at Home updates
Throughout October, we welcomed three new clinical leads to our ever-growing team. This expansion has helped further enhance our services by bringing fresh expertise and new perspectives, allowing us to continuously improve the quality of care we provide. You may have noticed a new clinical lead in your care package over the past few months. They are eager to meet our clients and collaborate with you. Please join us in giving our new clinical leads a warm welcome to Pulse Nursing at Home.
Industry updates
Flu jabs
The NHS is urging eligible individuals to get their flu jab this autumn to boost protection ahead of winter. As immunity wanes and viruses change yearly, the flu vaccine helps prevent serious illness and hospitalisations, particularly during peak flu season in December and January.
The NHS has started vaccinating people against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), for the first time in its history.
RSV, a leading cause of infant mortality around the world, is a common cause of coughs and colds but can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, which are highly dangerous to older people and young children.
As part of winter preparations, the NHS will vaccinate pregnant women and older adults, including those turning 75 on or after the 1st of September this year.
Safety updates
Making equipment checks faster and safer
Before starting a shift with a new client, you are required to complete an equipment checklist. This ensures you are familiar with all the equipment the client has and are competent to use it.
We’re working on automating our process to make it faster and easier for you. The equipment checklist will be sent to you automatically and will flag if it’s not completed before your shift starts. This update is designed to support you in your role at Pulse Nursing at Home, helping you deliver clinically outstanding care and ensuring your time is used effectively.
Learnings from incident trends
Important reminders for your safety while on duty
There have been a few instances where team members have faced challenges during shifts, particularly with sleeping on duty and staying alert and focused.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Mobile phone usage
It’s important to stay fully engaged while with a client. Personal mobile phone use is not permitted during this time to ensure the safety of the client and your colleagues. However, phones may be used for Digital Nurse Logs or contacting the office when necessary.
Headphones
For safety reasons, please do not use headphones in one or both ears during your shift. This helps to maintain awareness of your surroundings and ensures the safety of the client, their families, and your co-workers.
Bedding
We kindly remind you that bedding should not be used, nor should makeshift beds be created during your shift.
You can find guidance and tips here to help you prioritise your sleep and overall wellbeing, ensuring you stay energised and balanced while on shift.
Helpful tips for skin integrity
Please keep the skin integrity of our clients at the forefront of your mind while caring for them. The following suggestions are basic care principles but are important in helping to prevent skin integrity issues –
- Regular skin assessments: Conduct frequent skin assessments, especially for clients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers.
- Proper hygiene: Use mild, non-alkaline cleansers and low-pH moisturisers to maintain skin health. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents.
- Moisturising: Apply moisturisers regularly when directed to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
- Protective measures: Use barrier creams and dressings when directed to protect vulnerable areas. Ensure proper padding and avoid quickly moving clients during transfers.
- Nutrition and hydration: Encourage a healthy diet and adequate fluid intake where applicable to support overall skin health.
These practices help maintain skin integrity and prevent complications, ensuring better care for our clients and protecting their skin.
Hand hygiene
When to clean your hands
- Before and after any client contact.
- Before procedures (e.g. wound care, PEG, catheter, tracheostomy care).
- After body fluid exposure or handling waste/laundry.
- After touching a client’s environment or equipment.
- Before preparing food and after removing gloves.
How to wash your hands
Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds: Wet, soap, rub palms, backs, between fingers, thumbs and fingertips, rinse well and dry with a clean towel.
Bare below the elbows
To ensure hand hygiene is effective:
- No watches, jewellery or wrist accessories (plain wedding band only).
- Sleeves above the elbow.
- No false or decorated nails; nails short, clean, and unpolished.
Jewellery, long sleeves, and false nails trap germs and make cleaning less effective, increasing infection risk.
Alcohol hand gel
- Use alcohol gel only if hands are visibly clean.
Use soap and water when hands are dirty or after contact with bodily fluids.
Gloves
- Gloves do not replace hand hygiene. Always clean your hands before putting gloves on and after taking them off.
Our expectations
Hand hygiene is a fundamental part of delivering safe, high-quality care. We expect best practice on every visit, with every client. Your commitment to high standards reflects both your professionalism and our regulatory responsibilities.
Navigate to Compass
Compass is here to support you in finding all the essential information to guide and support your career with us. Whether you’re looking to explore your benefits, access your handbook, book CPD courses, or prepare for your shifts, Compass has it all at your fingertips.