Patient satisfaction surveys and comments from providers trying to communicate with patients indicated that the ambient noise in our small pre/post-operative area was...
Our facility knew the benefits of administering IV acetaminophen preoperatively to reduce post-op pain, but it was always in short supply or cost prohibitive....
The one- and two-gram IV piggyback infusion bags of the antibiotic cefazolin we were using exclusively in 2018 were almost always on backorder and delivery...
Over the past few years, a number of employees who work in our health system's outpatient surgery center have become new moms. When they returned...
With all the pressure central sterile staff are under to keep cases flowing through high-volume facilities, the last thing you want to do is give them an excuse to avoid...
The disposable plastic bags we used to use to transport flexible cystoscopes to and from the sterile processing department cost $1.80 each. Each of our four...
Humidity levels in your ORs should be between 30% and 60%, a range that can be difficult to maintain. That's why I had our HVAC company install a computer program...
The sterile processing department is not an easy place to work. If you want to make sure new sterile processing techs mesh well with the current team and...
Looking for a fun and effective way to weigh less? Hold your own "Biggest Loser" competition and award the staff members who shed the most pounds....
Ideas That Work: Greening The OR; Segregate Waste at the Point of Use
Behind Closed Doors: She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not; RN ISO that warm and fuzzy feeling.
Ideas That Work: Secret Room; Help Staff Spot Mistakes in Seconds
Ideas That Work: Sticky Solution; Gum Speeds Up Post-Op Digestive Function
Ideas That Work: Team Building; Let Staff Show Their True Colors
Ideas That Work: Visual Aid; Detailed Guidebook Prepares Patients for Surgery
Ideas That Work: 12-Step Process; Countdown to Room Setup
Ideas That Work: Make It Mandatory; Double (Glove) Or Nothing
Ideas That Work: Staff-Made Reference Videos; An In-house Library Of How-to Instruction
Ideas That Work: Seeing Is Believing; Pictures Are Worth a Thousand Warnings
Ideas That Work: Cap and Gown; Caps Put Smiles on Kids' Faces