How many really use STERILE technique?

DixieGirl_81 · Mar 31, 2004

I use sterile technique will all procedures that require sterile techinique. I even use it when it is not required in fear that something will happen if I don't. I do not want anything comming back to me i.e. patient with infection due to non sterile technique.

When changing surgical dressings, I always use the sterile technique. This prevents infection.

My opinion only.......

Chantelle

gypsyatheart · Mar 31, 2004

It is very important that you learn/master sterile technique. This is crucial! You mention changing surgical dressings...think about it....what are you doing when changing that dressing.....you are exposing an entry point into the body...there is a major possibility of introducing bacteria if you are not sterile! And in certain patients, the elderly, very young...this could be life threatening.

Doing a urinary cath is not the only time you use sterile technique...central line dressing changes/insertions, PICC/perc line dressing changes/insertion, pre-op preps,etc...there are so many things you will do that require sterile technique.

Better to bite the bullet now, work with someone, get w/an instructor and get the procedure down. Practice makes perfect! Good luck! :)

gij1 · Mar 31, 2004

Please dig through your books and understand why this is crucial at certain times during patient care.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 31, 2004

Sterile technique for dressing changes always!!

If you haven't been doing them, what has been the technique that you are using? :uhoh3:

lolo_jane · Mar 31, 2004

I am having problems passing my sterile technique in lab. I want to know how often you use sterile technique to change a surgical dressing?
I have done dressing changes and NEVER used sterile technique!! I understand the importance of using sterile technique in urinary cath.
I realize that it is a required skill but I just can't seem to get it right!!
Thanks for your input!!

please learn sterile technique,soon.. particularly since my mother was just hospitilized in your town(i'm not kidding!)... find someone to help you or teach you, this is vital, just like universal precautions or safe needle usage, things we do every day

orrnlori, RN · Mar 31, 2004

I agree with everyone. It's vitally important. But wait until you get your first patient with a huge surgical wound, or maybe even one of those nice juicy open wounds and the doctors round at 5:30 am (while you are in another room drawing labs) and take down all the dressings to "look" and then just leave the room and leave the nasty dressings strewn around the bed, in the mean time the patient is poking around in there as well. It drove me nuts when I worked in trauma. Somebody needs to teach physicians septic technique as well. :angryfire

lolo_jane · Mar 31, 2004

yes you are so right, many mds just expect rns to clean up after them and forget the use of sterile technique

CCU NRS · Mar 31, 2004

I am having problems passing my sterile technique in lab. I want to know how often you use sterile technique to change a surgical dressing?
I have done dressing changes and NEVER used sterile technique!! I understand the importance of using sterile technique in urinary cath.
I realize that it is a required skill but I just can't seem to get it right!!
Thanks for your input!!

You may remove old drsg with plain gloves but prior to re dressing you must don sterile gloves to prevent placing infectious material in the wound while cleaning and applying sterile 4x4 etc.

I use this technique with every drsg change

gwenith, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2004

Before we all jump on the OP she may be getting herself confused in relation to the latest research re surgical wounds. Once a sutured closed wound is more than 48 hours old it is sealed by the body itself. Then the dressing can be removed and the patient can shower without ill effects. This is because all wounds colonise - not the same as infection but they colonise with the patients own skin flora.

We, however need to maintain a "surgically clean" technique in dealing with this closed wound as OUR flora definitely is not the same and can cause infection i.e tranferance of MRSA.

CashewLPN, LPN · Mar 31, 2004

like aseptic technique vs. sterile technique.... each one has its appropriate moment...

Sterile technique is tricky until you get the hang of it... just like 90 percent of your other skills... keep at it, you'll get it...

--Barbara

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2004

Where I work, sterile dressings are not available. Therefore, we can only really do aseptic technique.