how to stay warm in the OR?

Trauma Columnist · Apr 18, 2016

I just did intubations in the OR recently (I've never worked in OR) and the CRNAs seem to just layer clothing.

K+MgSO4, BSN · Apr 18, 2016

You are not sterile. ?......

Wear a short sleeved t or tank under your scrub top

Cook26 · Apr 18, 2016

Anesthesia isn't sterile unless you're putting in a line or doing regional.

Where I'm at they have approved jackets that we had to purchase with the department logo and your name if you wanted it. If you didn't want one, there are paper jackets you can wear.

allnurses Guide · Apr 22, 2016

The AORN recommendation for OR temps is supposed to be between 68-73. Some facilities follow this policy and some don't, but you can usually turn the temp up in rooms to a more optimal temp unless the surgeon is just a jerk. That being said people layer clothes, wear thin thermals under their scrubs, use an extra Bair hugger, wrap themselves in a warm blanket, warm their hands on desflurane vaporizer etc.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Apr 22, 2016

The AORN recommendation for OR temps is supposed to be between 68-73. Some facilities follow this policy and some don't, but you can usually turn the temp up in rooms to a more optimal temp unless the surgeon is just a jerk. That being said people layer clothes, wear thin thermals under their scrubs, use an extra Bair hugger, wrap themselves in a warm blanket, warm their hands on desflurane vaporizer etc.

You can do this but you will spend the whole case having the doctor, fellow, pa, scrub tech etc asking you to turn the air down. People don't truly understand how hot it gets until they have actually scrubbed.

allnurses Guide · Apr 22, 2016

You can do this but you will spend the whole case having the doctor, fellow, pa, scrub tech etc asking you to turn the air down. People don't truly understand how hot it gets until they have actually scrubbed.

I have worked at facilities that work with room temps down in the high 50s and as high as the mid 70s. The surgeons, scrubs etc all have survived at warmer temps, and in the end the patient does better when the temp is at least 68-70 in the room. The key is to make a policy and enforce it. Then when and if the people scrubbing in are still too hot there are a variety of personal cooling options that the hospital can purchase and utilize.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Apr 22, 2016

I have worked at facilities that work with room temps down in the high 50s and as high as the mid 70s. The surgeons, scrubs etc all have survived at warmer temps, and in the end the patient does better when the temp is at least 68-70 in the room. The key is to make a policy and enforce it. Then when and if the people scrubbing in are still too hot there are a variety of personal cooling options that the hospital can purchase and utilize.

I guess I should have explained better. I know the patient does better when they are warm. And yes, there are times when the patient is actually cold. I'm talking about when the CRNA has in short sleeves, the Bair Hugger shoved up their shirt, and bump the air up because the "patient" is cold.

allnurses Guide · Apr 22, 2016

I guess I should have explained better. I know the patient does better when they are warm. And yes, there are times when the patient is actually cold. I'm talking about when the CRNA has in short sleeves, the Bair Hugger shoved up their shirt, and bump the air up because the "patient" is cold.

I know what you mean, but the surgeon and scrubs aren't the only people in the room. That is why there should be consistent OR temp policies that are used and enforced. It ends the arguments on both sides.

offlabel · Apr 22, 2016

I like it cold.

notnursezelda · Apr 22, 2016

I like it cold.

The cold never bothered me anyway *runs away*

offlabel · Apr 22, 2016

You asked for it...