Cath & Sterile Field Check off Help

[Ajcapri]

We're being checked off on male and female caths, while maintaining a sterile field of course. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on the topic? As in proper cathing, maintaining sterile field ect? What worked or didn't work for you?

[RN403, BSN, RN]

Do you have a skills video you can watch? If not try YouTube... You should also be able to find a video on maintaining a sterile field.

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

ATI skill videos or check youtube.com (ATI best case if you have access to ATI).

[smf0903]

Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable you are with the steps. Any check-off requiring maintaining sterility practice with someone. They can watch you while you go through the steps and visa versa. That set of eyes can catch times that you may not realize you are compromising sterility.

[rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN]

Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable you are with the steps. Any check-off requiring maintaining sterility practice with someone. They can watch you while you go through the steps and visa versa. That set of eyes can catch times that you may not realize you are compromising sterility.

Boy isn't this the truth. I am hoping that the skills labs are open for you to practice. When I was in school I believe that I practices on the mannequins nearly 100 time, both male and female. My practice cath was in horrible shape once I was through. When it came down to actually doing it for the instructor it was no problem.

If I could provide advice, I would say that it isn't a race. Between every step take a breath and know what you are going to do before you do it. Learn to smile even if inside your are going crazy. Projection of confidence promotes comfort for the patient and for the instructor grading you. Just remember to relax and breathe. You can do this.