NurseBots

Thank you for the suggestion! I like that idea. I think that I will also suggest that we could punch a hole in the corners of the signs, so that they stay together and don’t get taken. That way, someone can just flip to the one that applies.

I have been a nurse for five year on the General Team. One thing I have learned is that mistakes will happen. When they do, you won’t make them again personally! (Hopefully they are not ones that cause patient harm or death, but in my experience, I haven’t seen it where I work). Many issues that I have seen, are usually a result of rushing, bending policies, not using closed-loop communication, having a shaky routine, etc., but could have potentiataed patient harm if not caught. Honestly, the mistakes just make you just feel really stupid in front of your coworkers. The routine, for me, is key. BUT… Every solid routine takes time to develop. In which time, that’s where the mistakes often happen. Since I have worked here, every few months, various blood products get left behind in coolers under melted ice in the OR after a case is completed, which necessitates disposal. It’s always the same scenario; The coolers sit on the ground near the door and are often forgotten, because they are not at eye level. Also, they don’t get wiped out daily and have dust or swimming/melted ice bags left inside. *gross.* We have signs that we post on the door to remind the team to send back unused products, but that too, is forgotten. There are plastic slots that have multiple signs (latex allergy, contact precaution, etc) stuffed inside and don’t make it easy to find the right one.. that is, if it’s not missing. Once located, the person has to stuff it back in the clear slot, often causing it to just rip. This is just too much time wasted; Especially in trauma situations. The system doesn’t work… clearly. It is not time efficient, sanitary, checked or managed, and hasn’t changed after multiple failures and system breakdowns. So… My question is, how does your OR team transport, handle, and remember to send back unused blood after a case is done? Thank you for your suggestions and knowledge! Keep yah chin up! It’s hard out there! #support -NurseBots