If I were the patient on your September 2007 cover, I would be upset. The patient is not fully covered and probably shows more than is necessary for a front cover photo.

Susan Liptak, RN
Director of Nursing
San Antonio Ambulatory Surgery Center
Upland, Calif.
writeMail("[email protected]")

Do you realize that the right breast of the patient on September's cover is exposed?

Mary Lynn, RN
Administrator
Ocean Springs Surgical & Endoscopy Center
Ocean Springs, Miss.
writeMail("[email protected]")

Good Refresher For Central Sterile
Re: "Keys to Maintaining Your Steam Autoclave" (September, page 82). This is a great article as it reminds all CS personnel of the basics. Super refresher.

Joanna Berg
Central Preparations Supervisor
Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital
Manhattan, Kans.
writeMail("[email protected]")

Safety's Sake
Re: "Make the Switch to Safety Scalpels" (September, page 69). Excellent points on how to present the tough topic of finding a safety scalpel.

Beth A. Bond, RN, BSN, MBA
Infection Control Nurse
Davis Memorial Hospital
Elkins, W.Va.
writeMail("[email protected]")

Quieting Chatty Cathy
Re: "Rumor Has It That Gossip Is a Problem" (September, page 18). As always, Ann Geier has done a very good job with this topic. She has a unique knack of handling each staffing situation that arises with directness and humor. This is an excellent way of dealing with the malignancy that is gossip.

Sharon Bowen, CASC
Vice President of Operations
ASCOA
Savannah, Ga.
writeMail("[email protected]")

Handling Instruments With Care
Re: "Pitfalls to Avoid in Instrument Reprocessing" (August, page 58). Excellent article. Handling and care are necessary for staff to understand in order to reduce repair and replacement costs in facilities.

Linda Burns, RN, BSN, CNOR, HRM
Administrator
Doctors Same Day Surgery Center
Sarasota, Fla.
writeMail("[email protected]")

As always, Nancy Chobin, RN, AAS, ACSP, CSPDM, does a great job. She has covered the basic information. She has "set the table" for more information on this subject at a later date. I agree cleaning verification should be covered. Keep up the good work.

Stephen M. Kovach, BS, CSPDT
Director of Education
Healthmark Industries
St. Clair Shores, Mich.
writeMail("[email protected]")

Laughter, the Best Medicine
Re: "What Were They Thinking?" (August, page 88). What a great article. Enjoyed the laughs. It's amazing how the facilities may be different, but the stories remain the same.

Lindy Hogan, RN
Quality Management Coordinator
High Desert Health System
Lancaster, Calif.
writeMail("[email protected]")