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STAFFING
The value of versatility
Reliance on outside contractors is financially crippling to small surgery centers and handicaps the ability of larger hospitals to market
services to surgeons who want fast room turnovers, efficient staff
and the ability to fit cases into their packed schedules. But just think
what would have happened if the circulator knew to push the "Clear
Alarm" button on the anesthesia monitor, grabbed an Allen wrench
to tighten the screw on the overhead lights and repositioned the
cord that was kinked on the video monitor. Although nursing has
evolved, the importance of basic common sense and the application
of critical thinking to everyday situations have never been so important or so overlooked. OSM
Ms. Gober (stacy.gober@nvisioncenters.com) is the administrator of the
Pacific Hills Surgery Center in Laguna Hills, Calif.
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2012