S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 5
W
e've shaved some precious min-
utes off our turnover times by
creating a "runner" position to
help the RN, surgical tech and the 1 to 2
instrument techs we staff for each case at
our 2-OR ophthalmic ASC, a facility that
handles 25 to 30 cases per day. As the
name implies, runners — surgical techs
and sometimes RNs — literally run
between our ORs to ensure everything is in
order for the next case.
Before a procedure, runners help with
everything from opening up and prepping
instrument kits and hooking up patients to monitors to positioning
microscopes and foot pedals. But that's not all. Like true utility play-
ers, runners will do whatever needs to be done to keep a case on
schedule. For example, it's not uncommon for runners to empty the
garbage or wipe down the room. And when OR1 is in good shape,
runners dart right over to OR2 to help our team get a jump on the
next case.
Since we've added the runner position, we're able to staff our ORs
with one less tech. Added bonus: We've noticed a definite boost in
morale among staff because they benefit from this OR utility player.
Stacy Rukamp, RN
Tower Clock Surgery Center
Green Bay, Wis.
stacy@towerclockeyecenter.com
UTILITY PLAYERS
Use 'Runners' to Cut Turnover Time
• HOME RUN "Runners" literally run back
and forth between ORs, transporting any-
thing that's needed for an upcoming case.
Tower
Clock
Surgery
Center