2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A R C H 2 0 1 9
M
y day begins at 5:45 a.m. sharp when I walk from pre-op to
PACU to check on everything from medical gases to med-
ications. Here's the mental checklist I complete during the
morning rounds in order to maintain a safe environment for my staff
and our patients.
• OR temps and humidity levels are within acceptable ranges.
• Medical gases levels are adequate.
• Refrigerators and freezers where medications are stored maintained
their temperatures overnight.
• OR doors are fully closed, not propped open.
• Electronic access doors are functioning properly.
• Hallways are clear of obstructions.
• Fire extinguishers are easily accessible.
PRE-DAWN CHECKLIST
Morning Rounds Ensure Safety Comes First
• RISE AND SHINE Charmaine Keeling, RN, checks OR humidity levels during her 5:45 a.m. walk through the surgical department.
Charmaine
Keeling,
RN
