Desk Plates that’ll Liven Up Any Work Space

custom acrylic desk plate

Working from home – Some people love it. Others loathe it. Remote work has its ups and downs, but we’ve got some new and colorful products and ideas that will liven up your work from home space. The best part is, these work from home accessories will easily travel back to the office with you later. Desk plates are the ultimate desk accessory for professionals who want to show their status, and feel connected to the company they work for.

Tips to Match Desk Plates to Your Personality and Desk Theme:

Acrylic Desk Plates

A clear acrylic desk plate adds a touch of style to your work space, and it goes with almost any theme or color palette. For the minimalist who likes a clean work space, to the art lover who wants pops of color, this acrylic desk plate is perfect for anyone! These also make great gift ideas for remote workers, and new hires who you want to energize and connect with as they work from home.

Acrylic Botanical Theme Desk Plate

For the minimalist:

  • Keep it simple! Customize with only a name
  • Pair this clear botanical desk plate with with a touch of greenery! A faux or real plant will bring the outdoors in, and keep you calm during long work days
  • Simplify and reduce. Clear away unused papers, pens, business cards and other clutter for the ultimate Zen space.
Hot Pink and Orange Acrylic Desk Plate

For the art and design lover:

  • Get color crazy! This pink gradient acrylic desk plate makes a statement
  • Customize with your name, title or meaningful quote
  • Pair it with colorful accessories, such as a bright colored pen holder and a fun figurine
Clear Acrylic Desk Plate with Diamond Border

For the refined:

  • Simple yet decorative, this clear desk plate with diamond border is perfect for the employee who’s the perfect blend of artsy and minimalistic
  • Customize with a name and job title
  • Pair it with elegant desk accessories, like silver or rose gold wire pen holder and file organizer

Chalkboard Desk Plates

Chalkboard write-on desk plates are great for teachers and students, and just about anyone who likes the flexibility of writing a new message every day. Some of our new schoolhouse inspired desk plates come customized with a name, and others are a blank slate, waiting for your daily hand written message. Here are 3 great uses for our new chalkboard desk plates:

Teacher’s Desk Plate with School Subjects

For Teachers Teaching Remotely

  • Help teachers feel supported and connected to their students and other staff! Gift a learning themed desk plate with school subjects, and hand writing inspired font
  • Educators can have fun pairing their new desk plate with their favorite grading stamps, red pens, and adorable notes from their students
  • These teacher desk plates are also perfect for displaying in classroom when the time comes!
Handwriting Practice Desk Plate for Kids

For Young Students Learning to Write

  • These name tracing desk plates help younger students learn to write their name
  • Children can also use this blank chalkboard desk plate to write a new word every day!
  • School staff can send these desk plates as gifts to connect students and teachers who’ve learned remotely for a long time

For The Creative Who Likes to Doodle

  • Chalkboard desk plates are great for the creative employee who loves to write a creative or inspirational message each day
  • They’re also versatile for writing new employee names or trainee’s names

New Desk Plate Card Holders

Stay organized and true to your unique style with our new designs in card holder name plates. These new designs will liven up any work space, whether it’s a home office desk, a breakfast table that’s been turned into a work space, or an office cubicle that needs a pop of color.

We have a card holder for everyone, from art the lover, to new business owners and company executives.

Gifts for Artsy Employees

Our new art lover desk plate with card holder is reminiscent of Picasso and Mondrian! Any lover of the visual arts will adore this new abstract mahogany card holder desk plate. Easily customize it with a name and send it as a gift to your art-loving employee, or get it for yourself!

Abstract Mahogany Card Holder Name Plate

Gifts that Inspire and Reconnect Your Team to your Company Goals

Customize one of these new company logo desk plate card holders for every member of your team, and send them as gifts to remote workers. These gifts are sure to revive team members who may be feeling disconnected from the company and their team members.

Company Logo Card Holder Desk Plate

Working and learning from home has not been ideal, but dedicated workers, students and teachers have put their best foot forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you are looking for a way to spruce up your work space at home, the office, or you need a gift that will reconnect your team members to your company’s core values – custom desk plates have several benefits. We’ve updated our assortment to include fun new colors and designs to help you get the most out of your work from home, or socially distanced work day! Shop the full collection of desk plates here.

shop custom name plates for your desk space, use code ntw20 for 20% off, shop now

amber bailey heads up the seo team and hc brands content team in jacksonville, she has a bachelor's in advertising from unf and a m.f.a from JU

Maintaining Professionalism in the Age of Social Distancing

Empty Conference Room

The COVID-19 outbreak has altered our lives dramatically in a short period of time. Although quarantine and initial fears over social distancing will end, the coronavirus has likely changed the way we interact with one another for a long time to come.
As businesses continue to operate remotely, or with limited hours, it’s important to maintain friendly, professional interactions. Businesses, especially restaurants that are focusing on to-go orders and curbside service, are maintaining professional and courteous social distance by:

    • Allowing customers to remain in their vehicle for service or take-out products
    • Actively enforcing social distancing between employees
    • Actively maintaining friendly social distance between staff and customers or clients
    • Requiring immunocompromised workers to wear special ID cards

High Risk Visitor Badge

  • Requiring visitors to wear visitor ID badges and keep a healthy distance from others

When schools and businesses are back to normal operation, new social distancing practices will likely be the new norm. Businesses can help prepare their buildings by:

  • Placing wash hands signs where customers and staff can see them
  • Making hand sanitizer readily available to staff and customers
  • Placing social distance courtesy signs and desk plates at reception counters, check-in desks and registers
  • Requiring all visitors to wear a temporary badge while on the premises
  • Requiring all staff to wear an ID badge with an enlarged font that can be read from 6 feet away

numbered visitor card

Although the coronavirus pandemic has altered our professional and social lives, it has positively impacted our lives at home, with our pets, and with our coworkers. Businesses are bringing their employees together and boosting morale in difficult times by:

  • Having staff share fun selfies
  • Hosting remote video chats and happy hours
  • Introducing family members and pets online

Name tags are a tradition in the workplace, and are effective in creating connections between people. These connections can still be made, despite social distancing. Here are a few tips for creating name tags that are effective in the age of social distancing:

    • Keep name tags simple! Include name and job title in a larger font that can be read from a few feet away

Dry Erase Name Tag Reading Jane Smith

  • Replace traditional name tags with ID cards, which are larger and have space for logos, names, and photos. Design your own IDs now!
  • Order bold color name tags or IDs. Use your company brand colors to make them stand out
  • Make sure the badges are worn closer to eye level
  • Order them with clips that can be attached to shirt pockets or collars
  • Pocket badges can also come in handy for this purpose

use code ntw20 for 20% off your order

As we all work to flatten the curve of the spread of COVID-19, we can also do our part in creating healthy, happy relationships with our coworkers, family, neighbors and the public. Keep a 6-foot distance from others, but don’t be afraid to smile, make eye contact and say hello.

Types of Name Tags and Badges at NameTagWizard.com

We offer many types and sizes of name tags and badges, with several different customization options. Our offerings are extensive, so we’d like to explain the key differences between our name tags, badges and customization options.

First and foremost, we’re often asked “what is the difference between a name tag and a name badge?” Badge and tag are often used interchangeably, depending on the customer, however there is a difference. Name tags are worn as a courtesy, to show a person’s name, title and company. Badges, on the other hand, are photo IDs that are primarily used to heighten security in schools and businesses.

About Our Name Tags

At NameTagWizard.com we offer plastic, metal, reusable and leatherette name tags. Our plastic name tags are available in many sizes, shapes and styles. Plastic can be engraved or UV printed. If you want full color names and/or logos on your name tags, choose a full color option.

Engraved plastic. Our engraved plastic name tags are customized with 2 colors. We have many colors of engraving plastic. Your text will be engraved to reveal the color underneath the top layer. So your text and logos will be a single color. If you have a simple logo, our engraved tags are a good choice.

Metal. Our metal name tags are full color printed. Our metal tags are made of a lightweight aluminum, in either silver or gold. We have several sizes available.

Reusable. Reusable name tags are available for businesses who often welcome guests and visitors onto their campus. Our reusable name tags are available in chalkboard material or dry erase material. Order them blank or add your business logo! Easily write names and erase them, and save yourself the time and money it takes to reorder custom name tags.

Leatherette. Lastly, we have recently added leatherette name tags to our inventory! Leatherette tags are available in several colors, even including rose, rawhide and rustic gold. Like our engraved plastic, these leatherette name tags will be customized in 2 colors. Your text and logo will be shown in a single color. Leatherette tags are great for businesses that want a natural or rustic appeal.

About our Photo ID Badges

Photo ID cards come in two options – design your own and pre-designed templates.

Design your own. Designing your own photo ID requires you to use our design wizard. Click here for instructions and commonly asked questions about our wizard. You can upload photos, text and logos as well as choose your background color, borders and much more. We also allow you to save your design in case you want to re-order it in the future.

 

ID Card Templates. Our pre-designed photo IDs are a quicker and easier option. We’ve done the work for you! All you have to do is fill out the custom fields available for line 1, line 2, stripe color (or other option unique to the design).

ID badges are available with horizontal and vertical layouts, and either double sided or single sided. These badges can feature bar codes, QR codes and full color photos. Our ID badges are popular for all types of businesses from hospitals to retail stores.

Name Tag Backings and Accessories

You can choose from several backing types for name tags and badges. Magnets are our most popular option, but we also have swivel clips, military style clasps and pins. For our ID badges, we offer clear sleeves and lanyards as well.

If you have any questions about our name tags and badges, or you need assistance placing your order, our Customer Focus Team will be glad to help you. Contact us now!

Similar Posts:

Should Seasonal Employees Wear Name Tags?

About Our Name Tag Backings and Accessories

Who Should Wear Sparkly Name Tags?

Help Using our Design Wizard to Create Badges & Name Tags

Are you having trouble using our design wizard to create your own badges or name tags? See our frequently asked questions for quick answers that will get you on your way to placing an order!

1. What kind of files can I upload for my logo?

We strongly recommend PNG and JPEG files. These files are easiest to work with and will provide accurate results. Do not upload PDF files of your design or logo. PDF files show low quality images and inaccurate colors.

2. How do I make another badge like the one in my cart, with different names, titles and photos?

Once you have a design in your cart, click “order a new design based off this design.” (See image below.)

 

Once you click this link, it will bring up the design so that you can make changes and add an additional badge to your cart. To keep the design for future use, remember to save it. (See image below, the save button is highlighted yellow.) Once you save your design, it will be kept in your account under “my saved designs.”

 

In order to make your changes, be sure to select the box that contains the text you want to edit. This will open the text box and you can type into the field available on the right. (See image below.)

We recommend using the backspace button to remove text. Do not use the delete button because it will reset the font as well.

 

 

3. How do I upload multiple photos for more than one badge when using the bulk item wizard?

First, you must design your name tag or badge. Then, to add a new image for each employee, click “show bulk order form” under the design area. You must click “add design” in order to add a new insert for the name, logo and photo. (See image below.) Each entry requires you to upload a different photo. This is also a good time to make sure the names and photos match for each person.

4. Why does the proof not show the background color that I selected? Will it be a white background?

The proof is a simple PDF file that shows you the layout of your text and images, so that you can ensure the information is correct. Some photo IDs may show your colors in the proof, but if you’re not seeing the colors you chose, don’t be concerned. We guarantee that your order will be produced correctly. You can also send us exact color codes to ensure we match them!

5. How do I reorder a saved design?

Log in to your account and on the left, go to “my saved designs,” which is at the bottom of the list. (See image below.)

Click on “order design.” This opens the design up. (See image below.) You may reorder the design as is, or make changes and save them. Once you submit the order, the new design will be produced for you. If you want the new design to be kept in your account, remember to save it.

 

6. I am typing in the text field 1 box, but I can’t see it on the badge. Why isn’t it working?

You must click the yellow “add new text box” button above the text field box. Also, it’s important to add a new text box for each entry. For example, for a name, job title and date-of-hire, you will want 3 separate text boxes.

7. How can I keep the same design but change the names and titles?

Log into your account. On the left, you will see a list of options. At the bottom there is “my saved designs.” Click “my saved designs.” Go to the design you want to change, click on the “order design” button on the right. Select the text box that contains the text you want to change. This will open the text box and you can type new text into the field available on the right. (Shown in image below).

8. Why does my logo have a white background? Will this appear on the printed badge?

The white background will appear if it’s in the file you uploaded. If you don’t want a white background behind the logo, be sure to upload a logo with a transparent background. If you don’t have a file with transparent background, you can request that the white background is removed in the checkout comments. If you have vector art available, be sure to convert it to a PNG file.

We can also assist you with your logo. First, place your order and have your order number handy. Second, contact customer service via email or chat. Our contact form allows you to specify what you need help with. So that we can add your logo to your order, be sure to include your order number on the contact form. We can convert your file to the correct format for you.

Also – some products have an option to “remove white background.” Simply click the box provided. (See image below).

9. Why did the color of my logo change after I uploaded it to your website?

This will happen based on the type of file you upload. A PDF file or any vector file will not show your colors accurately. This may also happen based on different monitor settings. You can provide us with exact color codes if you have them available. We can match any colors you want.

10. What does the upload name list mean?

This feature allows you to upload a list of names for a bulk order of badges. We prefer you upload an excel sheet. Once you upload your name list, be sure to change the quantity of badges you’re ordering. If you don’t change this number it will stay 1. The price will not reflect accurately until you change the quantity. For example, if you have 50 names in your uploaded list, be sure to change the quantity to 50.

11. How do I remove something from my name tag or badge design?

Be sure to click on the text box that contains the item or image you want to remove or change. You can also move text boxes around to change their placement. To completely remove a text box, click it and click the “remove” button on the wizard.

12. How do I change a saved design?

Log into your account. On the left side you will see a list of options, at the bottom, go to “my saved designs.” Click the design you wish to change. Once you’re in the design, click the “order design” button on the right of the wizard. Make the text and design changes you want, but be sure to click “save” before placing the order. If you don’t save your changes, the old design will be produced.

Additional help:

Our design wizard has 3 tabs to provide you with design options. There is an options tab, text tab, and images tab. You must select the appropriate tab to get to particular options.

 

Key Benefits of Ordering Name Tags for Seasonal Staff

wooden reindeer name badges

Updated: 12/2/21

The National Retail Federation has seen a steady increase in holiday sales over the past few years, and this year’s retail sales projections are expected to reach new heights. With this historical and projected growth, hiring seasonal employees will be imperative for businesses to capitalize on the holiday shopping season.

Even with a shift in shopping habits during the Coronavirus pandemic, with many spenders flocking to online sales instead of browsing their favorite brick and mortar shops, big retailers are still expecting this holiday season to be huge for in-store foot traffic.

Take a look at the large number of job openings added in retail during the holiday season of recent years:

seasonal jobs added in retail during q4, 2017-2020

What Does the Holiday Rush Mean for Seasonal Employees?

Temporary and seasonal workers are part of the team, and are hired to help retailers meet year-end sales goals and handle the influx of holiday shoppers.

This is a huge task, and it’s important to ensure that seasonal workers know that they are contributors to the company’s goals. Name tags provide a simple and quick way to let temporary workers know they’re part of the team.

dry erase name badge

Providing name tags for holiday staff members has the following benefits:

  • Maintains personal interaction during the hectic shopping season
  • Aids in collaboration by helping new employees work well with seasoned staff
  • Keeps corporate branding intact. (Name tags can feature company logos)
  • Lets new and temporary workers feel they are part of the company and its goals
  • Connects names and faces!

How Companies are Competing for Holiday Staff

leatherette name tags

With a low unemployment rate and an increase in seasonal job openings, retailers have had their work cut out for them to find staff to cover this year’s busy season.

To compete with other retailers looking for high-quality holiday talent, companies are offering more perks, higher wages and recruiting non-traditional workers to fill their openings.

Some brands are going as far as including temporary employees in performance-based bonus programs, offering them store discounts, including them in cash drawings and giving other incentives to attract holiday help.

shop badges for seaosnal staff, use code ntw20 for 20% of your order, shop and save now

Employers are stepping up their game to make sure they have the staff to help them meet sales goals in the 4th quarter – but it’s important that they remember to keep the simple things in place, too, such as requiring name badges.

A simple badge with the employee’s name, position and an official company logo goes a  long way in creating a team work environment that is vital for the hectic holiday shopping season.

NameTagWizard.com is THE source for custom name tags and IDs online. We have hundreds of name tags including pre-designed templates for retail, reusable and dry erase name tags, plus unique shapes, sizes and materials ready to be customized and shipped out fast.


Related Posts:

What Types of Businesses Should Order Bling Name Tags?

Designing Name Tags to Improve School Safety

Get the Right Backing for your Name Tags

 

Sources:

https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-predicts-highest-holiday-retail-sales-record

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/21/retailers-are-hiring-but-are-there-enough-workers.html

http://www.challengergray.com/press/press-releases/update-holiday-hiring-plans-signal-hot-year-retail

https://qz.com/1411274/amazon-is-raising-wages-just-in-time-for-the-holiday-rush/

Types of Backings for Name Tags

The design and contents of a name tag are important, but so is the backing! Customers want to make sure that their name tag or photo ID will stay where it should, without causing damage to clothing or covering up the name, logo or photo on the badge. At NameTagWizard.com we offer 8 options for pinning or holding name tags and badges in place. These include magnets, badge pins, swivel clips, mylar clips, military bars, horizontal or vertical ID badge holders and lanyards.

The backing you choose depends on the type of name tag or badge and the type of clothing to be worn.  You can shop all of our name badge backings here.

These are our most common questions related to backings:

1.What are hole punches for on your photo ID cards? Hole punches are to be used with clips and lanyards. They allow you to attach our bulldog clips or mylar clips to the card and clear holder.

2. When do I need a hole punch? You should choose a hole punch if you intend to use clips and/or lanyards with your ID cards.

3. If I have a hole punch on my clear badge holder, do I also need one on the ID card? No, the holder already has a hole to attach to a clip and/or lanyard. However, if you want to take the ID card out and wear it, you would want a hole in the card.

4. Will the backing I choose cover my company logo or design? If you’re designing your own ID cards, you must pay attention to where the hole punch is located on the template. The hole punches are there as a guide. Keep any pictures or text below the hole punch. For example, our pre-designed template below is safe from being covered by clips or other options.

5. How thick of clothing material can be worn if I choose a magnetic backing? We suggest only wearing magnetic name tags with shirts or thin jackets. These magnets may not hold securely on thick jackets or materials.

Our backing options:

Magnets – Magnetic backings are a popular choice because they hold the badge in place without the use of pins. Pins, over time, can cause unwanted holes in clothing. Magnetic backings can be added to each name tag you order. Simply select the option in the “backing” dropdown. See more information about our magnets here.

 

magnet
Magnet Backing

 

Plastic badge pins – These traditional pins are used for fastening everything from clothing accessories to name tags. Pins are known for their low price, compared to magnets that are a $2.00 additional charge.

 

Plastic Badge Pin

 

Swivel clips – The swivel clip attaches itself via clip to your clothing without puncturing and damaging your clothes. It has an extra stable spring for securing neatly and rests the name tag upon an adhesive plastic swivel base. The clip itself is reusable and comes with the adhesive strip to attach your badge risk and hassle free.

swivel clip
Swivel Clip

Mylar clips – Mylar clips feature an enduring spring that will hold the badge in place and a clear vinyl strap. These clips are used with ID cards that have a hole punch. You can reuse this vinyl badge clip over and over again and with repeated assurance that your name badge will be held securely in place. We offer clear badge holders that can also be used with these mylar clips.

mylar badge clip
Mylar Clip

Military bars – These 2 inch wide bars attach to the back of name tags with adhesive. The metal clutches fasten to the pins to hold the name tag in place. Military bars are a traditional option to pinning badges and accessories, and feature two pins that will leave holes in clothing.

Military Bar

 

 

Horizontal clear ID badge holders – Horizontal clear vinyl holders protect the surface of photo ID cards from scratching and wearing. They display horizontal cards with ease, and will not cover up photos or logos on the card. These sleeves measure 2.75 inches by 3.75 inches and have a horizontal punch at the top that allows you to attach a mylar clip or lanyard.

Clear Horizontal Badge Holder
Horizontal Badge Holder

Vertical clear ID badge holders – Many customers choose to order vertical ID cards. Our vertical clear vinyl holders protect the surface of photo ID cards from scratching and wearing. They display horizontal cards with ease, and will not cover up photos or logos on the card. These sleeves measure 4.5 inches by 2.75 inches and have a horizontal punch at the top that allows you to attach a mylar clip or lanyard.

Clear Vertical ID Badge Holder
Vertical Badge Holder

Lanyards – Polyester lanyards are traditionally used with ID cards and clear badge holders. Our lanyards attach to the holder and ID card with a bulldog clip. You can choose from black, blue or red lanyards, each option measures 36 inches around, and is 1.5 inches thick or wide. Lanyards offer an alternative to clips and pins that can damage clothing. They also offer easy wear and removal for events, conferences, schools and more.

 

Badge Lanyards

Our lanyards feature a bulldog clip that attaches to either a clear ID holder, as shown below, or to an ID card with a hole punch.

 

 

Related Posts:

4 Different Name Tag Backings and Their Use

Why Choose Magnetic Backing?

4 Businesses that Benefit from Bling Badges

The majority of businesses strive for a professional and streamlined approach to their branding and communication strategies, but there are a select few types of businesses that can benefit from bringing a little bling to the workplace. Boutiques, jewelry stores, nail salons and hair salons can afford to beautify their name tags with a little sparkle.

Clothing Boutiques

Small clothing boutiques cater to the customer looking to refresh their wardrobe with the perfect new clothing item or accessory. Boutiques are looking for a personal relationship with their shoppers and what better way to achieve the initial interaction between shopper and associate than with an eye-catching name tag? Sparkle name tags reflect the unique branding of one-of-a-kind clothing shops. They can be customized with the store’s logo, name and job titles of each associate. Bling badges for retail boutiques feature glitzy rhinestones that are sure to bring attention to each employee’s name in order to inspire the initial conversation between clerk and customer.

Jewelry Stores

Anyone in search of bling heads to the nearest jewelry store. Small and family owned jewelry shops are often known for their long-standing relationships with their customers. The best way to build trust between customers and store associates is through consistency. Branding is key to building trust with the customer, and name tags are often an integral part of the first conversation a customer has with the store’s employees. A small shop can help build relationships with their shoppers by wearing branded name tags, but also by going a step further and featuring a little sparkle along with the store name and logo.

Nail Salons

Manicures and pedicures are a luxury. Nail salons offer upscale services that can’t be found elsewhere. Why not build branding around the idea of extravagance? Each associate should support the salon’s reputation of bliss and enjoyment, and one key way to achieve this is with sparkle name tags!

Hair Salons

Hair salons are also known for decadence and new beginnings. A fresh new do puts pep in a girl’s step. After several hours in the salon chair, the hair stylist and client build a relationship that often lasts for years. However, when new customers come in to the salon, make sure they’re greeted by a smiling associate wearing a fancy name tag. Sparkles and rhinestones are the epitome of lavishness! Hair salons can complement their branding efforts with bling name tags that feature the salon name, logo and associate’s name. Framed with sparkly gems, these fancy badges are sure to appeal to the right customer base.

Not all businesses can afford to dress up their name tags with sparkles, but some can! Boutiques, salons and jewelry stores can reflect decadence not only in the products and services they offer, but also in their branding. Branding isn’t limited to emails, signage and Facebook ads, it comes all the way down to the name tags worn in-store. NameTagWizard.com offers several sizes, colors and shapes in name tags. These name tags can be customized with an eye-catching sparkly frame that is sure to reflect the image of your boutique or salon!

Here are a few of our bling name tags:

Hair Stylist Bling Badge
Gold Oval Sparkle Badge with Full Color Logo
Gold & White Rhinestone Name Tag

If you need assistance ordering bling name tags, our Customer Focus Team will be glad to help you place your order. Just call (888) 721-2957! At NameTagWizard.com we’re the “Identification Experts” and you can count on us for precision and accuracy with each name tag you order.

Why Caregiver Photo IDs are Vital to Patient Safety

Hospitals and other healthcare providers commonly consider it “best practice” to require that staff wear official photo identification. Not only are nurses, doctors and other hospital staff encouraged to wear photo IDs, but so are in-home caregivers. Laws vary by state, but some states have already made it a requirement that all medical staff wear proper photo identification. These states include Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Rhode Island, Iowa, Massachusetts and South Carolina.

Although many states require medical staff to wear photo IDs, there are no specific regulations on what should be included on the ID card, or how often the card should be updated. For the safety of patients, photo ID cards should be current, easy to read and visible. Pennsylvania requires that medical professionals update their ID cards every four years, but some believe this is not frequent enough. “Photo ID cards should be updated yearly,” says South Carolina Registered Nurse Amanda Driggers. “Some employees’ photo IDs are so old and faded that you can barely see the picture anymore,” she continues.

The Lewis Blackman Act

The Lewis Blackman Hospital Patient Safety Act, enacted in 2005, requires all South Carolina hospital and clinical staff and trainees to wear badges that show their photo and professional title.

It is imperative to patient safety that doctors and nurses show their full name, photo and credentials to each patient. Not only does the patient and their family have the right to know who is providing care, but wearing proper ID ensures that critical and life-saving information is passed to qualified staff members. “If staff aren’t expected keep their badges current, it defeats the entire purpose of the Lewis Blackman Act,” states Driggers. The Lewis Blackman Act was brought about to ensure that all patients receive care from qualified nurses and doctors.

Lewis Blackman was a healthy 15 year old boy who passed away shortly after having elective surgery at The Medical University of South Carolina in 2000. It is believed that Lewis died due to the lack of qualified staff on duty, and the failure to communicate critical information about his failing condition to experienced professionals.

Cases such as the one of Lewis Blackman are not inherent to South Carolina alone, unfortunately these events can and do happen everywhere. Each state has a different set of regulations for hospital photo IDs, but it is recommended that all medical caregiver ID badges include the following:

  • Cardholder’s up-to-date photo (ideally no more than 1 year old)
  • Cardholder’s full name
  • Cardholder’s professional title
  • Cardholder’s medical credentials and qualifications

Hospital badges can also include optional information such as:

  • Years in service or years of experience
  • Badge issue date and expiration date
  • Official hospital or clinic logo
  • Cardholder’s fingerprint
  • Hospital contact information
  • Security access level
  • Cardholder’s signature
  • Bar code or QR code
  • Cardholder’s sex, height, hair and eye color
  • Cardholder’s job responsibilities

It’s important to know the laws and regulations specific to your state, but in general, it is best practice for all medical professionals to wear updated photo identification. NameTagWizard.com offers a full range of photo ID cards and accessories. Whether you’re working in a small practice or large hospital, there are many ways to use ID cards, visitor badges, color codes and other precautions to make safety a top priority in the healthcare field.

Click here to read more about the Lewis Blackman Act

Related Posts:

Should Medical Badges Show Last Names?

Three Ways that Badges Keep Hospitals Safe

Sources:

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess116_2005-2006/bills/3832.htm

http://www.lewisblackman.net/

Lewis Blackman

 

Should Last Names be on Hospital Name Badges?

Last week I had a routine appointment with my doctor. When checking out, I noticed the assistant had a unique name on her badge, followed by only the first initial of her last name. She has a nice name, one I haven’t heard before.  I asked her to pronounce it and whether she also has an unusual middle name. She deflected the attention elsewhere and avoided telling me her name. It dawned on me that I was unintentionally invading her privacy, which leads me to ask: If hospital staff members are afraid to let patients know their full name, what kind of danger are they subject to?

It’s important to maintain professionalism in the medical field and it is even more so now during the coronavirus outbreak. Medical staff need to feel safe in their work environment since everything has become so hectic, and the last thing they need to worry about is someone learning their full name when they don’t need to.

According to OSHA, 75% or more of workplace violence cases reported each year happen to nurses and other hospital staff, either at work or outside of work hours. Some medical facilities have avoided providing full names on badges in the event that an angry patient will find out where a medical professional lives and harm him or her. In fact, an ER staff member in Memphis experienced this exact scenario. “Our clinical assessment staff member was clearly identified by a patient, who followed her car and found out where she lived,” said Carri Ann, St. Francis ER Nurse. This case and many others that happen on a daily basis prove that working in the healthcare field is more risky than some might imagine.

Not only are there concerns over disgruntled patients and family members, there are addicts seeking access to drugs. Many people believe that all healthcare workers have open access to medications, and have been known to threaten staff in hopes of getting pills or drug supplies.

 

There is debate on whether removing last names from badges really provides much protection. Many say that not including full names threatens the credibility of nurses and staff. After all, patients have a right to know who is caring for them and whether they’re qualified. Without a name, a patient who has received poor care has a much harder time reporting the experience to proper officials. Patients and their families deserve to know whether the employee treating them is an experienced doctor, resident, RN, physical therapist, specialist or aide.

ID badge laws and requirements vary by state. It’s important to know the laws of your state. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, have very strict rules for ID badge requirements. According to an article from Lippincott Nursing Center, some states require healthcare employees of state-licensed institutions (hospitals, rehab facilities, skilled nursing facilities) to wear ID badges that include a full name and current photo. Moreover, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is strict enough to require that ID badge photos be updated every 4 years. Similarly, California has very rigid rules, down to the type size used on nurse’s badges.

Others, including healthcare professionals themselves, believe it is bad practice to exclude last names or other valid information from name badges. “To me, not having our full names on our badges and not using our last names freely with clients just makes us look like we don’t take ourselves seriously and communicates to clients that they don’t have to take us seriously either,” wrote a healthcare professional on a discussion board at allnurses.com.

What are ways that hospitals can keep their staff members safe while also providing proper credentials for their patients? First and foremost, ensure that all healthcare providers and other staff wear official identification. Depending on individual state laws, this may or may not include a last name, but should at least include a first name and up-to-date credentials.

Tips for designing nurse and doctor badges or name tags:

Most importantly, ensure the text is large enough to read from a distance. No one should invade someone’s personal space to read their badge.

Include enough information to put patients and their family at ease. This can include:

  • Official hospital or healthcare provider logo
  • Hospital contact information
  • Cardholder’s name
  • Cardholder’s up-to-date photo
  • Fingerprint (particularly for high security staff like lab workers)
  • Employee’s signature
  • Badge issue date and expiration date
  • Barcode and/or QR code
  • Security access level or color code
  • Information such as height, sex, hair, eye and skin color
  • Job responsibilities of card holder
  • Years in service

This type of information puts patients at ease and reduces the need to show last names on badges. In turn, staff members feel safer from the threat of being located after work hours. Other measures for staff and patient comfort and safety include:

  • Color coded lanyards or badges
  • Corresponding signage that lists the color codes and their meanings
  • Secured entryways that open only with approved access cards, fingerprint or facial recognition
  • Secured parking areas for staff
  • Strategically placed surveillance cameras
  • Security staff stationed at vulnerable areas
  • Screening all visitors. Require that they show valid ID and wear a visitor pass

The debate will likely continue about whether full names should be included on nurse name tags, but in practices that are required by state law to include last names, there are other ways to protect staff privacy and safety. Before ordering custom photo IDs or name tags, it’s important to know your state’s laws, and to be aware of the unique requirements of your workplace. However, NameTagWizard.com customizes photo IDs and name tags that feature any information needed. From full names, logos, barcodes, QR codes and more, these badges can be fully personalized.

Related Posts:

3 Ways Badges Keep Hospital Staff Safe

The Pros & Cons of Location Tracking with IDs

Sources:

https://www.nursingcenter.com/journalarticle?Article_ID=2552919&Journal_ID=54016&Issue_ID=2552901

https://www.heartbeatservices.org/what-should-your-name-badge-say

Click to access SEA_59_Workplace_violence_4_13_18_FINAL.pdf

3 Key Ways Badges Keep Hospitals Safe

Hospitals and health care centers strive to maintain safety, sanitation and a friendly demeanor with their visitors and patients every day. From keeping appropriate bedside manner to safely monitoring visitors who enter and exit the building, hospital staff have their hands full. Large hospitals and emergency centers can welcome as many as 1,200 visitors per day! What are the ways these facilities maintain health and safety?

There are 3 main ways that a healthcare badging system can effectively manage security, sanitation and professionalism:

Most clinics and healthcare centers have adopted some form of badging system that helps keep patients, staff and visitors safe, not only from the threat of violence but also from the spread of illnesses. First, doctors, nurses, security guards and other staff members wear color coded badges and lanyards. This way it is easy to immediately identify qualifications in emergency situations. These color codes also help maintain security within hospitals because they are more difficult to fake or duplicate.

According to statistics, 75% of all workplace assaults between 2011 and 2013 happened in the healthcare field, and much of the violence was directed at nurses. It is also said that the statistics are inaccurate, because much of hospital violence goes unreported. Some of this violence cannot be prevented because it comes from patients who are in volatile states or at a cognitive disadvantage. However, the threat of violence that comes from visitors and outside sources should be reduced, and badging systems can aid in the effort to protect healthcare staff.

Badge systems for hospital staff often include color codes, which are easy to identify from a distance. However, many healthcare centers have adopted smart badge systems for their staff. These types of ID cards have a memory chip that securely stores data, and allows them to enter secure areas of hospitals. Not only does this keep multiple entry points of the building secure, it also helps protect sensitive information like patient records.

Hospitals must also maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of illnesses. With as many as 1,200 visitors coming and going from some hospitals, it can be difficult to maintain safety and sanitation. Temporary badges for visitors have helped healthcare providers maintain efficiency and security. For larger hospitals, blank badges can be used once and then recycled. The visitor’s name and information can be printed onto a sticker and applied to the disposable plastic card. Once the visitor leaves, they throw the badge away and it is recycled. This cuts down on the time staff members would normally use to check visitors in and out. It also helps prevent germs from being spread.

For smaller clinics and centers, color coded visitor badges can be used. These visitor name tags can be re-ordered every 3 months (or at other intervals) to prevent theft and falsification. Smaller healthcare centers can sanitize these badges each day to prevent the spread of illness from patient to visitor. Each time the badges are re-ordered, they can be customized with a specific number, code or date. This makes it more difficult for the badges to be stolen and re-used.

Lastly, hospitals must maintain a friendly and healthy relationship with patients and visitors. As stated earlier, much of the violence against doctors and nurses goes unreported. That is because healthcare professionals care about their patients and don’t want to make them the enemy. Badging systems and other security measures can help doctors and nurses maintain a friendly demeanor. If the hospital adopts an effective security system that includes ID badges for everyone on campus, then healthcare professionals can focus on providing quality healthcare.

The 3 main aspects of hospital security include:
– Ensuring that only authorized individuals are on campus
– Keeping sensitive data secure (file rooms that contain patient records)
– Processing visitors who come and go

Badge systems help maintain security and cleanliness by:
– Identifying every person on campus, including staff & guests
– Allowing access to secure areas to only authorized staff with the use of smart cards
– Requiring that guests prove who they are and to wear approved visitor badges while on campus

NameTagWizard.com offers quick turn-around on campus ID badges for hospitals, schools and businesses. These cards can be fully customized to include photos, logos, QR codes, bar codes and custom text. If you’re in the healthcare field, or any industry that requires security, these custom ID cards can be the first step to creating a safer work environment.

Related Posts:

Flash Passes, Proximity Cards and Smart Cards

Ethics of Student Location Tracking

Sources:

https://insights.identicard.com/blog/effective-hospital-security-system-hospital-visitor-management-access-control-solutions

https://www.advantidge.com/id-badge-printer-support/learning-center/industry-solutions/healthcare-and-hospitals/

https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2016/05/03/nearly-75-percent-of-all-workplace-assaults-happen-in-health-care

https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2016/12/07/violence-against-nurses

https://www.visitorpasssolutions.com/Blog/A-busy-hospital-lobby-balances-security-health-and-efficiency/