In a field as precise as nursing, adhering to standardized workflows and processes plays a huge role in patient safety. Being thorough when completing a routine check can have lifesaving effects.

This became evident when a patient arrived for treatment at UF Health Medical Oncology at the Davis Cancer Pavilion having received an incorrect identification band. Before any medications were administered, Kelly Owens, R.N., B.S.N., a nurse in the UF Health Shands Infusion Center, recognized that the wrong ID band had been provided. She immediately corrected the situation and her efforts garnered her the UF Health Physicians Biggest Catch Award for that quarter.

The infusion center recently revised its patient ID banding process to include a three-person safety check. The ID band, which includes a patient’s basic information and medical record number, is first checked when the patient receives the armband at the front desk. The second check is in triage before the patient is brought to a nurse, who performs another check.

“With this situation, the first and second checks failed, but the additional check saved the patient from receiving the wrong chemotherapy,” said Barbra Pesata, R.N., M.S.N., O.C.N., nurse manager for the UF Health Medical Oncology Clinic and the UF Health Shands Infusion Center.

Pesata said that although errors like this are few and far between, the clinic is excited to see that the new process worked and that Owens followed through on the correct workflow to ensure quality and safety at UF Health.

“Kelly’s actions exemplified her unwavering commitment to quality and safe patient care,” said Elizabeth Brown, D.H.A., M.A., UF Health Physicians Clinical Quality and Education liaison.

The UF Health Physicians Quality and Safety Group recognizes deserving providers and staff across the health care system with the Biggest Catch Award on a quarterly basis, acknowledging them for their outstanding dedication to patient safety and quality care.

“It is excellent that Kelly takes the time to make sure patient safety is first before doing anything else,” Pesata said. “She’s an outstanding nurse that works hard every day, and we’re very excited she is getting recognized for the work she does on a daily basis.”

UF Health Shands recognizes Great Catch Awards and UF Health Physicians recognizes Biggest Catch Awards to honor staff whose attention and response help avoid medical errors and contribute to patient safety.