When the Joint Commission highlighted safe medication practices in its 2003 patient safety goals, it included a list of dangerous abbreviations to avoid. During my random reviews of medical records, I realized our nurses were using incorrect notations - even after they were notified of the Joint Commission's safety goal. To help correct the problem, I created a two-sided laminated guide that fits into a hanging transparent badge holder. This minimum list of dangerous abbreviations, acronyms and symbols serves as a handy quick-reference guide. Use Microsoft Word to create a two-columned table that notes the problem abbreviation and the corresponding correct abbreviation. I used Word's table feature and matched the layout to the size of business card laminating pouches: 311/16 inches by 23/16 inches. Here's how it's done: