NEAT NOTES Use that excess paper found in single-use Bowie-Dick test packs as makeshift Post-Its.

PACKING PAPERS
Trade Your Sticky Notes for Leftover Sheets from Bowie-Dick Tests

Here's a way to save some money on office supplies while helping the environment. In Bowie-Dick test packs, the indicator sheet used for the test is normally packed in the middle of a thick stack of paper. After the pack is finished testing the sterilizer for air leaks, most facilities simply open up the Bowie-Dick test pack, find and check the indicator and throw out the excess sheets of paper. Instead, we collect the paper and return it to the central supply room staff. They then divvy it up and hand out the sheets to all departments — especially reception, pre-op and PACU. We used to buy sticky notes, but after starting this, we haven't had the need to buy another pad.

Nico Pasia, BSN, RN, CNOR
Massachusetts Avenue Surgery Center
Bethesda, Md.
[email protected]