If You’re Not Cheatin’…

…You’re Not Tryin’

   This is not a commentary on professional or collegiate sports. Cheatin’ in this case is an important process for building up a new block program or adding new aspects to an existing block program. What I’m actually referring to here are ‘Cheat Sheets’ for your support staff. [nonmember]…

 

REGISTER for FREE to become a SUBSCRIBER or LOGIN HERE to see the full article!

 

[/nonmember]

   

[wlm_ismember]

 You need to have formal inservices and opportunities for Q & A, but when it comes time to ‘make it happen’, your helpers need simple templates to help them memorize then learn the processes involved with the new procedures that you are bringing to them. There is no way for them to absorb what they need to do and why immediately, and you will be greatly served by providing clear ‘bullet point’ instructions as well as easy to digest visual aids. I am not talking just talking about your block nurse either. There are several points that need to be available on the Ortho floor, the ‘other’ floors, the ICU, the ER, the PACU, Same Day Services, etc. Obviously, the particular points provided will be different for each setting, but we are implementing a process that affects several services which requires a paradigm shift for many people. Providing appropriate information throughout your facility will go a long way in getting it accepted and keeping the ball from being dropped in your absence as you are growing. I have found this investment into creating teaching aids and reminders of key points to be well worth the time. I have created these types of references for all of the above listed departments and more. The larger your departments, the more critical it is to have these bullet points, visual aides and reminders readily available.

     The following is an example of an extremely well done ‘Cheat Sheet for RNs’ in the Holding Room created (and displayed with his permission) by Frederick D. Jones M.D. of Midsouth Anesthesia Consultants in New Albany, MS. This impressive visual aid is much more effective than simply a list of things to have available for the blocks. It clearly displays all of the important positions for personnel and equipment. The photos at the bottom indicate how the block trays are requested to be set up including the positioning of individual items. This allows for a natural flow from prepping to sticking to dressing. It conveys a great deal of information that would be very cumbersome to have to read by an RN unfamiliar to your processes. Consistency breeds familiarity which improves speed to the overall process. They set it up faster, and you perform your block faster.

     One of my personal ‘pet peeves’ is not having a garbage can immediately available, and I am glad that Dr. Jones included this seemingly minor point into his schematic. Honestly, it takes me out of my rhythm to stop and search for it then ask for someone to bring one over. It seems minor, but if you are trying to do six blocks for three 7:30 and 8:00 am cases, you can see how a even a few seconds here and there will begin to add up! The point is that everyone has clear instructions of what you need and why, so that instead of a struggle, it is a smooth and seamless process. The only way you get there is to get everyone up to speed on exactly what you need. The only way you get everyone up to speed quickly is to make the information user-friendly, concise and clear.

[/wlm_ismember]