what would you do SINGING DURING T.O.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

I had a patient, who was I guess nervous and very spiritual. In the operating room she loudly was singing her gospel music. Ok fine, then the surgeon comes in, and joins right along with her, LOUDLY. Its time for the time out, I start it, and they DO NOT STOP>singing!!! I asked them for silence please, politely, until we coMPLETED the time out. I got dirty looks from the surgeon, and she began to tell me that this was soothing her patient. I began to tell her I understand, but complete attention and silence is required during the UNiversal protocol., AND THIS WAS my RESPONSIBILITY, AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE TEAMS. Not LOUD SINGING!!!! I wasnt in the wrong for asking them to stop singing, was i?

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

You did the right hing. We have a lot of backlash from a few of our surgeons during he time out. They keep talking,they don't want the music turned down, etc. Their normal team doesn't make hem stop what they are doing but if for some reason I am in there, I won't pass a knife until it's done correctly. I even dropped a blade one time so they doc couldn't grab it off my mayo. You do what you need to do for your patient. If nothing else, tell them it's hospital policy (which it is at our place) and that you will get in trouble if it isn't done correctly.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

SINGING though? seriously..... obnoxious

[jdsmom, RN]

How often do you have cases where your patient is awake during surgery? We use a safe surgery time-out process where we timeout just before incision, and typically the patient is under general anesthesia. While this situation is difficult, it is ultimately to protect the patient. I would suggest that you include a description of the time out process and the reason behind it to your patient prior to coming to the O.R. if they are going to be awake. This might help in case something like this comes up. Tough situation for sure, but I would rather have a surgeon upset with me for involving a manager, etc. than having a wrong site event or something of the like. My Sr. Mgr would always say, "You have the power to stop the surgery until you are sure it is safe." If your administration does not provide this kind of support, you do not work in a safe environment and I would consider finding work elsewhere. I don't think there are any rules against singing the time out, maybe that would be an option? For sure, talk with the doc after in private so they know what is expected the next time this happens. Hopefully, they will ultimately respect you for standing your ground :0)