WALL SMART Posting simple signs near scrub sinks is an effective way to communicate with staff.

SCRUB & LEARN
Monthly Safety Signs Serve as Helpful Reminders

If you want to remind your surgical team about an important infection prevention protocol or patient safety precaution — or really, anything pertaining to proper surgical care — hang signs near scrub sinks that convey the basic message. For example, last month we posted a reminder that the skin prep chlorhexidine gluconate needs to dry for 3 minutes before draping in order to be effective. Staff often congregate near the scrub sinks between cases and must stand for several minutes while preparing their hands for surgery. Why not post something useful for them to read while they're there?

Elizabeth Wein, MPS, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC
Saint Clare's Health System
Denville, N.J.
[email protected]