OSE_1309_part2_Layout 1 9/6/13 12:22 PM Page 66
2013
Awards
apron that was fitted properly just for
this doctor. She placed a dosimetry
badge on and under the lead apron,
and brought him a ring dosimeter to
monitor radiation levels to his extremities. "The team is engaged in keeping everyone in the room safe," she
says.
RADIATION EXPOSURE Dosimeters
measure exposure in real time.
Radiation Safety
Surgical Site Marking
Premier Physicians Ambulatory
Surgery Center, Westlake, Ohio
ASC Director Jenny Pietrick, RN,
gives monthly dosimetry results to
physicians and staff. If the results are
elevated, she puts in place a performance improvement program that she
tracks until the readings improve.
"Everyone must view the numbers
monthly," she says. "We address any
high readings immediately with the
staff and the team." Key to lowering
one physician's high readings: Letting
the radiology tech work the foot pedal
instead of the doctor. It didn't stop
there. To get the most accurate
results, Ms. Pietrick purchased a lead
Community Medical Center of Izard
County, Calico Rock, Ark.
In addition to the traditional means of
marking the surgical site, the OR staff
denotes the correct extremity (digit or
limb) by coloring the patient's toenail
or fingernail with an indigo marker,
says Chief Nursing Officer Cathy
Franks, RN. The ink doesn't wash off
during prep — it lasts for a couple
days — and is easy for all to see
before and during prepping. "Coloring
the nail pops and we all can clearly
see it," says Ms. Franks. "We've had
problems with the prep washing the
site marker off. This doesn't wash
off."
6 6
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 | S E P T E M B E R 2013
