To promote optimum patient comfort after nasal surgery, we've developed an easy and cost-effective way to apply the post-op nasal-drip pad that eliminates using tape. As you can see, a customized molded cone mask holds the support dressing in place.

To create the support, trim the top and the bottom of a mask down to leave about a one-half-inch strip between the elastic strap. Roll or tri-fold two or three 4-inch-by-4-inch gauze pads and place them under the patient's nose. Place the trimmed mask over the gauze and slide the elastic band over the patient's ears and around his or her head to secure the pad.

This allows for easy changing of the drip pad as it becomes soiled. We send patients home with one or two extra such supports and several gauze pads in plastic zipped bags for their convenience.

Diana Procuniar, RN, BA, CNOR
Nurse Administrator
Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center
Winter Haven, Fla.
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Treat pediatric pain pre-operatively
We give our pediatric patients their pain meds (Roxicet [oxycodone and acetaminophen] or Tylenol, depending on the case) pre-operatively. An RN is in the room with the patient at all times and we only administer the meds once we know a case won't be delayed. Because children are in pain and groggy from the anesthesia, they often refuse to take the pain meds post-op or spit them out. Now that we give them the meds ahead of time, we've found that it takes effect 30 minutes to 40 minutes later, right around the time when the procedure is finishing up. Not only is it easier for our staff, our patients are also recovering faster. Patients receive IV pain meds once the procedure starts.

Maureen Reed, RN
Clinical coordinator
ENT Surgical Center
Savannah, Ga.
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Prior preparation saves time in pre-op
To help expedite patient processing in our pre-op area, we pre-prepare the items necessary for patients' disrobing and gowning. We give all our patients bouffant hats, socks and a bag for patient belongings during their preparation. Instead of pulling hats, socks and a bag individually as the patients arrive, we put the bags and socks inside the hats and keep them on the shelves next to our patient gowns. That way, all the pre-op nurse needs to do is grab a hat and the right-sized patient gown, and everything is there and ready to go. In addition, we ensure that patients have something to put their clothes and any personal items in. Although time savings might be minimal, every little bit adds up as we move through the day.

Pam Ertel, RN, BSN, CNOR, RNFA
Administrative Director
Reading Hospital Surgicenter at Spring Ridge
Wyomissing, Pa.
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Look for free help
We use a volunteer staff comprised of former patients and other members of our community to facilitate the flow in the outpatient surgery department at our hospital. They assist the nurses in many tasks, letting the nursing staff focus on patient care.

For example, they escort patients and family members from the waiting room to the pre- and post-op areas; keep track of patients' family members' locations; and note descriptions of what family members are wearing so as to assist physicians in locating family members to discuss the patients' procedures post-operatively. In addition to facilitating our communication network, they double as couriers to deliver paperwork to other areas of the hospital.

Their assistance has proved invaluable in freeing up our nurses for clinical tasks and, as volunteers, their unselfish efforts improve our staffing budgets. (For more on how to run a volunteer program, see "Staffing" on page 18 of the November issue.)

Denise Lewis, RN
Nurse administrator
Beaumont Royal Oak Hospital
Beaumont, Mich.
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