Time outs for C sections

[Suebee6]

We had never done these before our last JCAHO survey truthfully..but now they are required. They seem silly, since on our unit the same nurse admits, preops, walks back with them to the OR, stays in the room and circulates, and walks back and recovers them...to stop and do a time out. We know which doc is supposed to be in there, and if the wrong one walks in we surely stop them. I do understand the logic of course...and we do make it clear if a tubal is going to be or not be involved. So we do try to make it a point. But again, since we ONLY do sections....it seems silly to say, "doc B..we are here to do a section on Ms K" KWIM?. Most of the docs made fun of us (in a playful way) at first but now they go along with us at least Does everyone else attempt this or have you always done it?

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

We don't attempt it, we do it. I wouldn't put it past some vindictive doctor to not report a nurse for not timing out.

If i'm the one timing out, i'll hold the consent form to the side (so people can look up and see it) and say "Ladies and gentlemen, we have Molly Jane Doe, she is here to get a C-section for twins, and tubal ligation, with Dr. Smith. Thank you" then hold the form closer for people to see.

After the time out, there's usually a round of thank yous.

[Suebee6]

We don't attempt it, we do it. I wouldn't put it past some vindictive doctor to not report a nurse for not timing out.

If i'm the one timing out, i'll hold the consent form to the side (so people can look up and see it) and say "Ladies and gentlemen, we have Molly Jane Doe, she is here to get a C-section for twins, and tubal ligation, with Dr. Smith. Thank you" then hold the form closer for people to see.

After the time out, there's usually a round of thank yous.

Yes..I can see that happening! We don't have any vindictive docs (yet...I do know of maybe 2 who have the potentional to turn on you ...I can just see it in their eyes ). that is a good way to announce it though, I was wondering of a good way to make it not sound awkward. the patient usually looks over at me like what the heck else would I be here for!

[fergus51]

We do the "Mrs. Smith is here for a c-section with Dr. X. Are we all in agreement?" We don't start until everyone (including the patient) says yes.

[LPN1974, LPN]

Is it done while the patient is still awake so that they can agree also?

Just wondering.

Oh, sorry, I didn't see the post above me before I posted my question.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Yes..I can see that happening! We don't have any vindictive docs (yet...I do know of maybe 2 who have the potentional to turn on you ...I can just see it in their eyes ). that is a good way to announce it though, I was wondering of a good way to make it not sound awkward. the patient usually looks over at me like what the heck else would I be here for!

Explain to the pt. before going in the room about the time out, and the reason for it.

[Suebee6]

All our patients are awake, unless it is an emergency. Good idea on telling teh patient about it before going back.. I swear..you can do something for 7 years and still feel like an idiot about things

[PegRNBSN]

We do more than patient and doctor.

We do

gestational age

allergies

All staff who are needed are present? (mostly for neonatology)

duraprep dry ( to prevent MDs from draping too soon)

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

We do time outs for circumcisions.

[htrn]

We don't circulate during C-sections - we call in the surgery crew. The circulator will read off the consent loud enough for everyone to hear right before the procedure starts - usually while the docs are testing the effectiveness of the epidural. "We are doing a Primary/Repeat C-section on Jane Doe. Is everyone in agreement"

I do warn my CS patients that everyone and their brother is going to ask them their name, DOB, the type of surgery she is going to have - and then they'll probably do it again. I tell them that way make sure we aren't going to circ you (mom) and do a c-section on dad.

[tamrnmomof4]

We also have to do "Time-Outs" for epidurals...but this seems a little over the top! I guess we just have to get used to it.

[RNnL&D]

Yes, we do Time outs for Csections (and circs, and epidurals). We didn't always, only the last year or so, after a JCAHO survery said they were required. The docs generally do them with no complaints. Although the more comical ones say "So and So, here for primary CS, yada, yada.... TIME IN!"

I agree they are kind of redundant, since the same nurse preops, accompanies the pt, and circulates. We only do CS on our unit, no tubals. So, if you're in the OR, we know why you're there. But....... they're required.