Ideas That Work: Wait, You Can't Reuse Christmas Trees?

ONE AND DONE Did you know that this symbol means that Christmas tree adapters are for single-use only?

Wait, You Can't Reuse Christmas Trees?

We all use Christmas trees in the delivery of oxygen to patients. Did you know that you must use a new adapter on each patient? I found out only after hearing that other facilities had been cited for reusing the oxygen tubing accessory. We plan to use nasal cannulas that don't need a Christmas tree adapter.

Barbara J. Holder, RN, BSN, LHRM, CAPA
Andrews Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center
Gulf Breeze, Fla.
[email protected]