How many really use STERILE technique?

[kwagner_51]

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!!

[psychnurse1998]

I hope this is related to this thread. But how many health care workers that are understaffed in haste to complete their assignment, take short cuts in practising aseptic techniche..How many wash glove, and wash again 100% of the time, without ever taking a short cut? If you have never taken a short cut on accepted practises of aseptic technique..please post. Have you ever worked for a facility that doesnt stock your size of glove, and you have to get by with one that tears.. Or with a facility that lets soap container run out of hand soap frequently....I think in the real world...there are frequent violations of the principle of asepsis for various reasons.

Some what unrelated, I go to big fast food chain, they have a steam hand cleaner but no paper towels.. Another customer who didnt hand wash touches the door handle that others have to touch, you just washed your hands, now you touched that handle....how aseptic is that. The same could apply at a hospital facillity you wash..but then if you have to touch other handles others have contaminated.

[latebloomer74, LPN]

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.

I've had difficulty with sterile technique myself, and when you say the sterile field is like a box with glass sides it really clicked in my mind, thank you!!!