GUIDELINES FOR ADOPT-A-UNIT 

"Adopting A Unit" means being a special friend to a particular unit in the hospital and the patients it serves. Groups plan an activity for the unit at least once a month, which could include: 
 

… bringing in small gift items for patients and visiting with them as the gifts are distributed. Needed and appreciated items include hand lotion, shampoo, soap, deodorant, stationary, pens.  

… bringing flowers, plants, greeting cards, or other gestures of cheer. 

… bringing recreational items such as magazines, word find books, playing cards, or hand-held games to engage patients in activities. 

… doing something special for the holidays, such as providing a flowering plant for the nursing stations, giving the patients cards or gifts, or caroling on the area. 

… assisting financially with special needs of the unit, such as pictures for patient rooms, unbudgeted equipment items, etc.  
 

All planned activities should be arranged in conjunction with the Clinical Manager of the unit or designated representative. Be sure that the time and date of your visit is confirmed in advance.  

Groups are encouraged to visit with the patients on the area, and to give them support and encouragement. Any reading materials should have the approval of the Charge Nurse before being distributed. Church tracts or materials espousing a specific religious viewpoint are not appropriate. Also, visitors should not seek to engage patients in prayer or counseling. Finally, although Adopt-A-Unit groups interact with patients, they are not to be involved in patient care (feeding patients, passing ice and juice, providing wheelchair transportation, etc.) 

Since many of our patients are on restricted diets, it is necessary to get approval from the nursing staff to distribute any kind of food items. Health regulations require that only commercially prepared and packaged items may be given to the patients. However, if the group wishes, homemade goods may be brought on occasion as a treat for the staff.  

Adopt-A-Unit visitors should be aware of restrictions on patients regarding visitation, mobility, diet, etc. If a patient's door is closed, and a red "Stop" sign ore a "Precautions" sign is on the door, you should not enter the room; any gift item for that patient can be left with the nurse in charge.  

The hospital follows the policy of universal precautions, which means that special protection is used if there is the potential for contact with blood or body fluids. In your role you should have no contact with blood or body fluids. You will probably have little physical contact with the patients, but if, for instance, you shake hands with a patient, wash your hands before going on to something else. Good handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. 

Epidemiology regulations prohibit groups larger than 10 people. The Adopt-A-Unit badges should be worn to identify you as authorized visitors. All the badges should be collected and kept by the group leader with your visit is over. When you arrive on your area, go to the nursing station and report to the Charge Nurse before beginning your activities, so that any special instructions may be given. As a courtesy, always knock on the door and introduce yourselves before entering a patient's room.  

We are pleased that your group has adopted a unit and hope that you will enjoy the experience. Please keep us informed of your activities by completing a Report Slip after each visit and mail it to the Community Affairs Department. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Community Affairs office (404-616-5592).