STAFFING
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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 | N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
Before
Changing the culture that led to delayed starts was one of the biggest
challenges. No one knew the extent of the issues we faced or was able
to see the big picture and understand why starting on time was so
important.
Now
Once leadership decided to improve our on-time starts, we identified the
issues that caused the delays and set out to correct them. We enlisted some-
one from each aspect of surgical care to share their views. They have own-
S
helley Smith, RN, BSN,
CAPA, patrols the pre-op
area in the Carolinas
Healthcare System in Charlotte
looking for surgeons and staff
members who aren't in their rooms by 7 a.m. — the time the first cases of
the day are scheduled to start. It's a tough role to play, and Ms. Smith has
the personality and guts to make it work. She also has a great working rela-
tionship with staff and surgeons. Perhaps that's why the "bulldog" nickname
she's earned is more a term of endearment than it is an insult, at least by
most who use it.
Notoriously tardy surgeons grew to respect her efforts and noticed how
hard she was working to get the day's first cases started on time. After a
while, they saw her coming and knew what to say: You're right, I'm sorry.
Thanks for getting the team back there. Now, they're on time with no
reminders.
— Daniel Cook
PRE-OP PATROL
Meet the Bulldog
Shelley
Smith,
RN,
BSN,
CAPA
KILLER SMILE
Shelley Smith,
BSN, RN, CAPA,
confronts tardy
surgeons and staff.
