I have a question to ask!

I'm just keen to hear about how you guys set up for Ivor-Lewis Oesophagectomies. Where I work there is only one scrub nurse who has to provide instruments to two surgical teams. Now i've done a few of these and have noticed that I'm not the only one who struggles during these cases.

I've heard of other hospitals who have a scrub nurse for the thoracotomy and another scrub nurse for the laparotomy. I think that this is a safer alternative to the way we do them.

I'm seriously thinking of bringing this issue up to try and change this practice. It's not because I don't think I or other nurses in my area are capable, but from a safety point of view there is far more sharps to handle, it's not easy to anticipate two surgical teams, and quite frankly it's mentally draining. And then theres the question....is it fair on the patient to have only one scrub nurse for two seperate procedures?

Anyway what are your thoughts? Do you think it's an acceptable practice or should it be considered dangerous?