our specimen handling process. OR nurses are required to complete
the module and pass the post-test on hire, every 2 years thereafter as
a refresher and after they've made a labeling error. Subsequent errors
are addressed by leadership as performance concerns.
• Two-person checks. We now have a mandatory 2-person verifica-
tion for all handwritten specimen labels to ensure we're handing off
the correct specimen in the cup. We also take a 2-person "pause"
when we drop the specimen off in pathology to verify the information.
• Frequent staff reminders. OR leaders discuss specimen manage-
ment frequently with the staff and praise them for their attention to
detail during morning reports and staff meetings, in our weekly
newsletter and via our video kiosk in the staff lounge.
Kimberly L. Hale, MSN, MBA, RN, CNOR
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Phoenix, Ariz.
hale.kimberly@mayo.edu
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