Confirm two identifiers — full name and date of birth — before any medication, procedure, or specimen collection. Match them against the chart and the patient's wristband every time.

Clean your hands before and after every patient contact, before a clean task, and after exposure to body fluids. Consistent hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent infection.

Use plain language, check for understanding, and repeat back instructions. Clear handoffs between team members keep the whole care plan aligned and reduce errors.

Record assessments, interventions, and patient responses promptly and objectively. Accurate, timely notes protect the patient and create a reliable record for the next clinician.

Track and trend temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Watch for changes over time, not just single readings, and act on early warning signs.

Speak up the moment something seems off. Use a structured handoff such as SBAR to raise concerns clearly, and never assume someone else has already noticed.