Hailee Himple is an RN in the 4 A Treatment Room. She has gone above and beyond for one of her. The treatment room has a patient who comes in three times a week for LVAD dressing changes. He has struggled with continued infections at the site that are exasperated due to a CHG allergy. The typical antimicrobial disc used is made with CHG, making it impossible for him to use. Due to his allergy, his treatment consists of cleaning with iodine, placing a split gauze around the insertion site, and covering it with a Tegaderm. This does not allow for proper wicking of drainage causing more skin breakdown, as well as increasing his risk for further infections.

On her own time, Hailee researched different options for what products a person with a CHG allergy could use. She read multiple research articles and discovered a product made by a company called Silverlon. This does not contain CHG and will protect his skin from infection as well as wick away drainage. Hailee brought this information and research to her Nurse Manager and they contacted the Silverlon rep and had samples sent to them to use on this patient. The product has been used on the patient for a few weeks and no allergic reaction has been noted. Hailee is closely following his progress and sending updates to the patient’s provider. We are hoping this is something that can be worked into his regular dressing changes as well as give other patients with these issues an alternative treatment.