Nurse Manager Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple Cameron, Texas, United States
Description: Due to the national shortage of surgical technologists and the need for scrub personnel at an academic, level 1 trauma center, a program was developed to train nurses to scrub. The goal of this program is to gain competent scrub nurses that can independently scrub in their service line and be able to give breaks and lunches to other service lines. Nurses are selected based on the criteria of OR experience in the department for at least 1 year, specialize in a service line, satisfactory performance evaluations, and interest and willingness to learn. The program is designed to support 3 trainees at a time. The first week is spent in the classroom learning basic skills through presentations and simulation. The first two days are dedicated to proper hand scrub, gowning and gloving, and basic instrumentation. The next two days trainees will learn draping, passing, and suture basics. Examples of poor form, misconceptions, and breaks in sterile technique will also be demonstrated and explained how to correct each. After the instructor demonstrates each skill set, the trainees practice the new skill until satisfactory performance has been achieved. Simulation with an educational mannequin allows for practice of draping and passing off laparoscopic equipment. Through a partnership with the medical residency program, trainees can utilize the laparoscopic training models to practice camera manipulation and instrument mechanics. Learning is facilitated through coaching, assisting, and answering questions throughout the course. After each two-day session, the trainees are assessed on the competencies they learned through a written test. For the next three weeks, trainees are paired with an experienced preceptor in their service line. They practice their new skill sets, focus on procedures, and learn reasonings for surgeon preferences. Goals are set for each week, and they are evaluated by the preceptor daily. During this time, the instructor checks on their progress and addresses any concerns. At the end of the three weeks the trainees are re-evaluated to ensure they are competent to scrub on their own. Upon graduating from the program, the trainees are celebrated with a recognition ceremony, certificate presentation, and picture displayed in the department.