Question about gowning.

Specialties Operating Room

Published

When you are scrubbing for surgery, is it allowed to "spin" and tie your OWN gown? I saw this done today and was always told that you could not reach around your back to grab the ties.

Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

That was not proper technique when I learned...but I am older than dirt and have not been in the OR in 10 years...so....

I was also taught that you should double glove and when you were done prepping the patient, you take the outer layer off and have a fresh layer under. Are you supposed to wear 2 gloves too prep the patient?

Specializes in CTICU.

Our scrubs can spin and tie their own gowns at the front. They do not reach behind though.

You should not reach behind your back because it is considered unsterile.

You should not reach behind your back because it is considered unsterile.

Correct. I've also seen techs put the spin card under a tray on the back table to hold it in place, and then spin. This is also wrong because you are turning your back to the back table.

As for double gloving to prep the patient, the scrub person should not prep. It's better ot have the circulator prep. If the scrub tech preps, they are reaching over an unsterile field.

Also, I've known ortho surgeons who change gloves after draping the patient just to be safe.

Specializes in Operating Room Nursing.

You should not tie your own gown by reaching behind your back. If I don't have another scrubbed person with me and I want to tie my gown I clip the gown tie to a sponge holder, the circulating nurse holds this and unclips it after I have turned around.

As for double gloving to prep the patient, the scrub person should not prep. It's better ot have the circulator prep. If the scrub tech preps, they are reaching over an unsterile field.

WOW, this is very interesting. I have not heard of this. Thank you all for your replies

Specializes in scrub tech 3 year, Circulator 2 years.

You always need someone else to spin you- PERIOD

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