AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
Back to Blog
Time out before surgery10/7/2023 ![]() "We already have what they need ready before they even have their hand out." "No one has to ask a good circulator for what they need," Trezza said. The surgical team at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York includes, from left, Tracy Willett, MSN, MSA, RN, CNOR, Sorina Bucor, RN, Ofelia Fabellore, RN, Danilo Sanchez, RN, Natalie Trezza, MS, RN, CNOR, and Monyne Bowman, RN. "They are anticipating the needs of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist so the surgery continues to move at an appropriate pace." "They make sure the surgery continues to progress," said Ron Perez, JD, RN, CNOR, vice president of perioperative services at HSS. ![]() "We determine if there are any special needs for the patient postoperatively and identify anything that needs to be addressed that happened during the procedure," Trezza added.Īlways ready to assist the team, a good circulating nurse does not wait for a request. Following the procedure, a final check is completed. ![]() The "official" time-out occurs immediately before the incision with the entire surgical team. "We make sure all of the needs of the patient are met and that we have all of the necessary equipment. "During this time, we make sure we have the proper patient, laterality and procedure," said Monyne Bowman, RN, clinical nurse II at HSS. Once in the OR, before anesthesia is induced there is another time-out between the anesthesiologist and the circulating nurse. The first check occurs in the holding area. No detail can be overlooked in the OR the smallest error can have tragic results.įollowing the guidelines of the World Health Organization, HSS uses a safety checklist throughout surgery. Tasked with ensuring a safe procedure, these nurses must remain vigilant for the sake of their team and their patient. "It is up to you to hold the line and make sure that the right thing is done in that room for the patient," Willett said. "It is critical they not only possess the necessary clinical knowledge, but also the people skills to cement this patient-caregiver bond."Įverything the circulating nurse does from that first meeting to postop is for the benefit of patients and their safety. "When the circulating nurse first meets the patient and their family in the holding area, they have a small amount of time to build that relationship and gain their trust before they go into the OR," said Tracy Willett, MSN, MBA, RN, CNOR, director of operating rooms, HSS. At HSS, this bond is formed during the circulating nurse's initial assessment. To be an effective patient advocate, circulating nurses must earn their patients' trust before surgery. It is our job to be their eyes, ears and voice," Trezza emphasized. "Since the patients are going to be under anesthesia, they will not be able to speak up for themselves. "We are the glue that keeps everything together, leading the multidisciplinary team to ensure patient safety and a smooth procedure."Ĭirculating nurses make sure every detail is in place before a surgery, all the while advocating for the physical and emotional needs of the patient.Īt a time of intense vulnerability, patients undergoing surgery must feel confident their well-being is the priority, which is why the circulating nurse's role is so vital. "Our responsibilities span every aspect of surgery," added Natalie Trezza, MS, RN, CNOR, clinical nurse I at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), New York, NY. OR circulating nurses wear a number of hats, but the most important is patient advocateĪny surgery, whether it is a hip replacement or cardiac procedure, requires an experienced, multidisciplinary team, including a surgeon, anesthesiologist, physician's assistant and the circulating nurse.
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |