MRSA/VRE in the OR

I am a co-asst director of a 8 room OR. I've been at the facility for a little over a year and want to do some changes to its MRSA policy. Currently, it states that there must be a RN runner outside of the OR suite and this person does the charting, gets supplies, etc. Where I used to work (charge and staff RN) we just gowned up until the pt was draped and then did the case like normal--with minimal items in room---since pt was fully "contained" under the drapes.

What do you do at your facility?

Thanks

Hi,

The P&P will depend on each hospital. I have experienced the following:

-the items in the OR are either covered up with sheets or large plastic bags

-some items that can be removed are removed-basically, only enough items, supplies, equipment to do that particular case

-you should have a RN 'runner' outside with the patients chart so she/he can do the charting and run for whatever you may need

-one circulator in the OR

-one scrub in the OR

-minimal personnel in that particular OR

-all personnel assigned to the patient should be wearing: gown, gloves & mask

-after the case if done, that particular OR should be terminally cleaned, with a solution of bleach and water, don't know the ratio

remember: you need to protect yourself as well as the patient

Good Luck with your endeavours