w Your editorial was offensive and patronizing to the nursing profes-
sion. The title alone suggests that the AORN standards are wrong and
that the reader shouldn't be concerned about the practice of wearing
skullcaps. Articles like yours perpetuate the divide between nurses
and physicians. I appreciate that you at least included AORN's posi-
tion on this issue, but it's clear that you support Dr. Hollander's belief
that the AORN standard requiring hair to be covered is "silly."
Nurses are often responsible for infection prevention efforts in hos-
pitals, but it can be like fighting an uphill battle when physicians resist
our feedback and ridicule our suggestions. Healthcare improvement
and improved safety are maximized when the healthcare team works
together with mutual respect. Who is responsible for patients? The
entire healthcare team — not just surgeons, as Dr. Hollander claims.
Lesley Wilkinson, RN, BSN
Rapid City, S.D.
lesley.wilkinson@bhsh.com
w The AORN and American College of Surgeon guidelines are just that,
guidelines. Look to CMS and The Joint Commission for the rules that
we will all be held responsible to follow. Those governmental bodies
will promulgate the rules based on research and investigation, not
because some believe it is a badge of identification or because you
can support your favorite team or cause. Rather, surgical attire is, as it
should be, decided on the issues affecting our patients and their well
being. Infectious disease is a tremendous antagonist to patient out-
comes and drives hospital costs up, while reducing revenue. Seems
that some folks have lost sight of the real reason we are all supposed
to be in the healthcare business. So it's not the "lowly nurses" from
the AORN telling the awesome "DOKTOR" what to wear, it's your gov-
ernment, and largest healthcare payer.
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