genitalia and breast
tissue."
How about one last
double-check and
sign-off before pro-
ceeding? "We have the
physician check the
position before drap-
ing for the procedure,"
says Susan G. Midgett,
BSN, RN, CNOR, an
operating room ana-
lyst at CalvertHealth
Medical Center in
Prince Frederick, Md. "But our perioperative staff makes sure the
patient is in the proper position. They've been trained and educated
on the importance of asking questions when there's any doubt."
That makes sense, because "the surgeon is focused on the incision
site and the position of the spine," says Ms. Cramer, "so the OR team
needs to be aware of the knees, the arms, the shoulders, the feet, the
face, the genitals and the breasts. The perioperative staff is there to
advocate for the patient, and to address all of the small details."
Trust the process
The Einstein Medical Center Montgomery in East Norriton, Pa., has
developed a process bundle for spine patients and has gone nearly 2
years without a perioperative generated pressure injury, says clinical
educator Diane Kimsey, MSN, MHA, RN, CNOR. "Our perioperative
staff are in-serviced upon hire and every year thereafter on prevention
of pressure injuries through the use of a bundle, and by exercising
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 7 1
• SOFT LANDINGS Immediately after positioning, pad all bony prominences and
check soft tissue for impingement.
Carol
Giese,
MSN,
RN,
CNOR,
CSSM
