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M A R C H 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT 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
SAFETY
edge of vessels that are
permanently compromised
and direct the nurse to
start the IV in a more
acceptable location.
Involving patients with
their care at this level
shows them we respect
them as individuals and
lets them feel some sense
of control in a potentially
chaotic time of their lives.
This is another opportuni-
ty for our nurses to put
personal judgments aside
to connect with the patient
to provide a superior surgi-
cal experience.
Add-ons to the
surgical time out
Besides the routine items, during the surgical time out we also
discuss the patient's addiction history, and any related conditions
or concerns. During the time out, we again review labs and docu-
ment that we discussed potential complications such as anticipat-
ed blood loss, medication interactions and pain management. We
also discuss with whom the surgeon should or should not speak
after the procedure and who'll be responsible for filling prescrip-
tions before the patient leaves the center. Dr. Raskin advises writ-
ing prescriptions for limited quantities of 10 to 20 pills with no
4
DON'T CONDEMN
When treating
addicted patients,
staff must put aside
personal judgments.
Corrie
Massey
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