How many really use STERILE technique?

Published

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!!

Always use sterile technique during dressing changes. If it were you with the wound would you want it any other way knowing what you know about diseases and germs in a hospital setting? Practice make perfect!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Only the O.R. and proud of it!.

You definitely should seek help from an intructor. It is hard to describe on a message board, and it would be hard for you to describe what part of the procedure you are contaminiating. Is it right from the get-go with donning the sterile gloves, or somehwre along the way.

From an OR nurses perspective here is a tip: Know what is sterile. Know what is not sterile. Never let the two touch. :)

-Dave

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Only the O.R. and proud of it!.

OOPS - I stopped reading too soon - Congrats!! glad you got it!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm a first semester nursing student and we had to do a return demonstration of a sterile dressing change today. Though nervous I knew what I was doing. I made it as far as opening up my sterile drape and the instructor flunked me. Seems in my concentration of opening up the dressing and placing it on the night stand a corner of my drape touched the bedspread. I asked if I could start again and she told me no. I said so I flunked and she said yup. Now I have to go back in next week at 8am to try again and then take my midterm at 9:30. Talk about STRESS!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have encountered many incidents where I would complete a "sterile" dressing on major wounds during my shift - and then during "rounds" residents would come in the patients room and completely remove and redress the wounds in "clean" technique. I asked them - what is the rationale for using "clean versus sterile" and they replied that based on evidence - clean is adequate enough. So I researched all over to find "evidence based" information on this topic. I found several studies indicating clean using aseptic technique is the proper way. Of course along the same line of cost effectiveness - since we are known to waste in impatient settings. I found this article - and would like to share although it is dated 2000. Obvious there is still not enough studies on this topic. I agree in one sense in this article that in Nursing School - we are drilled in our heads "sterile, sterile, sterile" - but on the flip side, wheres the evidence?

However completely disagree with use of tap water!!!

http://www.wocn.org/publications/posstate/pdf/clvst.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU/Neonatal transport.

When I have to do something sterile in clinical, I always bring extras, that way if I accidentally contaminate my gloves or something, it's not a huge deal to remove them and don a new pair of sterile gloves.

Glad you passed :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

congratulations k wagner!! way to go!!!

and i agree with a couple of other posters-i have encountered too many md's who do not appreciate the art of sterile technique. downright scary and ignorant, if you ask me. and i'm talking about some mighty remarkable wounds. i just don't understand what they're thinking.....or not.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

IF it's a sterile procedure, I feel it's imperative to use absolutely sterile technique. It takes practice, but it's important to learn.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hmmm. In ltc clean technique is mostly used with dressing changes.

Of course, cathing and IVs are still sterile.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
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!!

I was a certified surgical tech before I was an RN; I use sterile technique because it is necessary to protect the health of my patient, and because after 15 years, it is a reflexive habit. For some dressings, clean technique will do; but for other dressings, for central line dressing changes and such you have to use sterile technique-or if you are assisting a central line, A-Line, etc., placement-you need to know sterile technique. It is a necessary nursing skill-just keep practicing, and don't think "oh why bother, this isn't really important" because one day it will be. Track down someone you think has good skills,a nd ask them for pointers-or just watch people when you can. What can't you "get right"? Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU, Neuro/Trauma stepdown.

i get that you set up first and remove the old dressing with clean gloves, but i'm not sure about cleansing the site....this is what i think...

don sterile gloves, clean site, remove gloves (now dirty) put on second pair sterile gloves, dress wound...

is that right, or do you clean and dress with the same pair of gloves?

thanks!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Elbows in, don't reach, go around. Picture the sterile field going upward like a box with glass sides. Practice doing this first in your head, then laying things out, and doing it from start to finish.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion