KmaRN

I know of nurses that have been pulled over in the early morning hours. One nurse had the policeman follow him to the OR for an "trauma" case that he was called in for. The policeman let him go. As for me, do I speed or go through lights when I get called in for a lap appy, etc. No, as someone said above, most of the time the patient isn't ready yet and I do live close enough to be there in the alloted time; however, when I get calls stating, "I have a patient crashing" and it is 0200, you bet I drive faster than normal but not excessively fast, I will stop and look both ways on a red light and if no one is coming you bet I will go through it. I will do the same thing for a ruptured tripple AAA or any trauma. I do not haphazardly run red lights, I always check for cars. If it comes to my getting a ticket vs the possibly of losing the life of another, I will take the ticket. I don't know of one OR nurse where I work who does not do the same. I kind of agree with the person who said we should have lights too! :-)

Be prepared for your case. Have everthing that you are going to use layed out prior to bringing the patient in the room. Whatever you may need for prepping have on your prep stand: bovie, prep, forced air blanket, etc. Also, if you are placing a pillow under the knees have it on the bed. You can attach foam pads for heels at the end of the bed. Anything that you may need for positioning, have it within arms reach. I never have to take more than a few steps to get what I need and don't leave the patient's side. Also, if you surgeon wanders, give him a call, "I am taking the patient into the room now." Also, after intubation and prior to prep, give the surgeon another call, "I am going to prep now." Keep the lines of communication open with your scrub tech. Let them know when you will be ready to bring the patient in the room. Have your meds checked and ready to go. I hope this helps! Karen