3 0 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6
1. Let staff feel what patients feel
Simulating patients' expe-
riences often serves as a
powerful teacher. That's
why Jay Bowers, BSN,
RN, TNCC, clinical coor-
dinator at West Virginia
University Hospitals in
Morgantown, W.Va.,
launched a one-day class
for new hires more than a
decade ago — after
observing the conse-
quences of incorrect posi-
tioning. "If we train our
employees what the
patients are feeling in
these positions, that's a
great start in preventing
positioning injuries," says
Mr. Bowers.
Maintaining a patient's
body alignment and rou-
tinely modifying the posi-
tioning are central ele-
ments in safe OR practice. Think of it as striking a balance between providing
optimal access to the surgical site and controlling airway management and ven-
tilation while limiting unnecessary exposure.
2. Perform a careful pre-op assessment
A thorough pre-operative assessment should precede any positioning maneu-
• HYPEREXTENSION Take care to place limbs in a natural, relaxed position and to provide
adequate padding and fixation.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
