June 22, was proclaimed
National Time Out Day by AORN, the Assoc. of Perioperative Registered
Nurses. The event focused on safe medication administration in the OR and encouraged health professionals
to take a “time out” before each surgical procedure to review a check list ensuring patient safety procedures
are being followed.
OR nurses at Princeton had a fun in-service to call
attention to the JCAHO Safety Standard for Elimination of Wrong Site, Wrong Patient, Wrong Procedure. Surgery nurse manager Jan Howell posted pictures of clocks with slogans, such as "It's about time" and
"Time is coming" throughout the surgery area. A “time out” quiz and
stickers were distributed along with whistles to call for a “time out” for patient safety.
Across town, health care
professionals at Montclair marked National Time Out Day
with a check for the correct patient, correct physician, correct
procedure and correct medications before each procedure. Nurses in surgical services at Montclair wore black-and-white striped
referee shirts with sport whistles to encourage participation by all of the staff in time
out. Participants declared the day as a successful -- and fun -- way to encourage
good patient safety measures.
