Instrument Pouch Racks Save Time
We used to wait endlessly for our steam sterilizer to finish so we could reload it for the next cycle. In fact, we actually paid somebody to do nothing but wait for the sterilizer to come down at day's end so we could unload it and reload a second time! Since purchasing instrument pouch racks from Tuttnauer that let us separate and stack wrapped trays properly, we are now able to load the sterilizer far more efficiently. Not only have these pouch racks cut in half the numbers of times we have to run the sterilizer each day we perform surgery, but they eliminated the need for a rather unproductive staff function as well.

Julie Macuch, RN
Co-Director, Plymouth Laser and Surgical Center
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Design custom packs
We worked with a supplier to build custom packs for our four most frequent cases: knee or shoulder arthroscopy, ACL reconstructions and minor procedures. The supplier puts the packs together and ships them to us. We just open one pack to prepare for surgery instead of 20 different packs.

Esther Stroup, RN
Center for Orthopedic Surgery
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Delegate purchasing power
Rather than have our RNs ordering supplies, we recently decided to hire a full-time purchasing coordinator. At first, I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough to keep him occupied, but he stays busy ordering our supplies and negotiating pricing. He also follows up on all our supply problems and finds buyers for our unused equipment over the Internet. He's become invaluable.

Mary Schafer
CEO, Dupont Surgery Center
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Cut the cost of implants
To keep the cost of implants down at our orthopedic center, we only order implants from one vendor. And because we get all our implants on consignment, we never have to pay for implants we don't use.

Becky Swan, RN, MSN
Administrator, Southern Surgery Center
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Find free decor
Instead of purchasing costly paintings for our waiting room, we called the art department of a local college and arranged to display their students' artwork. We get new art every six to eight weeks, and it's free.

Joseph Walters
Administrator, Chesapeake Surgery Center
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Save on staffing
Use LPNs and Nurse Assistants whenever possible. Our LPNs and Nurse Assistants do all our pre-op screening and post-op phone calls. They also turn over the OR and transport patients. This keeps the number of RNs we need down.

Cheryl Stanley, RN
Director, Medical Group Surgery Center
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