D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 1
checks and tests.
• Sterile processing techs demonstrated each step of the instru-
ment decontamination and sterilization processes.
• Surgical team members performed a mock surgery, which
involved opening supplies, safe sharps handling techniques, proper
patient handling, prepping practices, draping techniques and the time-
out process.
• PACU nurses acted out how they recover patients and began
relaying discharge instructions when the patient (played by a staff
member) "developed" chest pain and quickly deteriorated, resulting in
a Code Blue event. The PACU team played out the scenario with
extreme realism and expertise. Thankfully, the patient lived!
After our facility-wide skits were performed, we noticed staff gained
an appreciation for their hardworking colleagues and the entire team
formed a closer bond. They socialize more after work, and genuinely
seem to appreciate working together.
Cathy Dentremont, RN, MBA
Orchard Surgical Center
Salem, N.H.
cdentremont@orchardsurgical.com