Scissors

Scissors are a common item used by nurses. We carry them in our pockets and use them frequently. My question is: What exactly do you use them for?

[nursegoodguy]

Only for patient care! Cutting away dressings, (then cleaning them) cutting tape, roller gauze etc Never to open packages like when the hot chocolate package wont tear open, that's what teeth are for LoL

[RNinICU]

Same as Nursegoodguy. Can be used to cut suction tubing to size, to cut sticky labels into small strips to label syringes when I am giving push meds, and to cut tape and steri strips to size. Always clean before and after any patient use. Once had an ortho guy use my scissors to trim a newly applied wet fiberglass cast. He ruined my scissors, then refused to replace them. I still dislike that arrogant SOB.

[Rustyhammer]

I too only use them for pt. care. Anything from cutting gown strings that are knotted and can't be untied, kerlex where someone used a whole roll (probably cause they DIDN'T have scissors.

I Do have a pair that I keep in my fishing tackle box. Has come in handy at times.

-Russell

[LilgirlRN, ADN, RN]

Cutting off clothing!.... the patient's, not mine

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I use mine to cut off the @#$$% ends left on the ID band we put on the patient that is left sticking out and annoying them.

[SmilingBluEyes]

patient care-related only. we have scissors at the desk for other tasks.

[coleen]

I use scissors for many things - cleaning out clogged caths - YUK -making my own cath secures out of hypa fix - opening that darn clogged up ostomy paste, cutting up bad charting and starting over, dressings such as kerlex, polymem, tegaderm and by God yes - that pesty one long strand of facial mole hair!

[RNinICU]

Cutting up bad charting? You cannot make any alteration to a chart like that. A chart is a legal record. If you are taken to court and the chart shows any sign of alteration, you lose all credibility. Even white out is illegal to use on a patient's chart.

[l.rae]

l use the disposable scissors {uncontaminated} left over from the suture kits for the real gross stuff...use mine for same as most above......once trimmed my bangs with them.....LR

[Tiiki]

I use my sissors to open meds, cut tape, whatever non-direct patient use I can. I usually use sterile sissors when doing patient's dressings, etc. Sissors always come in handy!! Cutting off an armband of a discharged patient, there is alwasy some sort of use!

Cheers!

Jo-Anne

[ERNurse752, RN]

Cut clothes off, Kerlix, tape, sx tubing, personal weapon...