Best things to ask for in designing an OR room as a staff nurse?

Published

Basically I have a fairly significant amount of influence in designing two new operating rooms in my OR, which will primarily be doing robotic/laparscopic cases.

What are somethings I could ask for that you find as significantly improving your quality of life as a nurse in an OR doing these kinds of cases?

Space is at a premium so I'm looking for novel ideas to make these rooms as enjoyable as possible for the staff doing the cases. So far the best thing I was able to get was wall mounted slave monitor TVs.

What are some other great products/room design ideas to make life better as a nurse?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Because room configurations can change for different types of cases, gas lines for the anesthesia machine can be draped in very inconvenient ways. Whether on a boom arm or just coming our of the ceiling, make absolutely sure that the gas drops/ AWGS/ suction lines for the machine fall well BEHIND the machine no matter the room configuration and gas machine position relative to the table.

Sounds like a no brainer, but it's frequently just randomly placed and you have to live with it forever.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Many, many electric outlets! Phones at both ends of the room. I prefer a desk with a desktop computer. Mobile computers are nice but not as stable in my experience. Right now we have printers in all rooms which is amazing! Room speakers that you can plug into the computer/your phone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Many, many electric outlets!

Yes...over do the electric outlets. And for pete's sake, don't put them a foot off of the floor where you have to break your back plugging and unplugging stuff. Place them 'belt high'. Huge difference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have to agree with the others - the gas and vacuum/suction lines as well as electrical outlets are by far the most limiting factors. ALSO, while it seems like a great idea, resist the urge to try floor outlets.

My dream is that we'll be able to get away from portable CO2 tanks for laparoscopic/robotic cases. I loathe having to change the tanks out... Though, the CO2 tanks on our laparoscopic video carts are by FAR easier to change than the helium tanks for one of our CO2 lasers.

I think, planning to be aware/manage cords goes a long way too. I would love a way for everything in the OR to be wireless/cordless but I don't see that happening, but maybe...never know.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nice surround sound speakers. Bose makes some nice 6 unit sets.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What's the justification for having surround speakers in a room? Is there anything other than just for staff pleasure?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
What's the justification for having surround speakers in a room? Is there anything other than just for staff pleasure?

Spend 60 hours a week in an OR and you'll understand why. Yes. Just for staff pleasure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion