Optimizing Registered Nurse Bedside Shift Report: Innovative Application of Simulation Methods.

Compliance with evidence-based shift report practices varies, and handoff processes are often inconsistent, increasing the risk for compromised patient safety. This pilot study evaluated registered nurse adherence to and self-efficacy with evidence-based shift report practices presimulation and postsimulation. Statistically significant increases in adherence to and self-efficacy with shift report practices after simulation were noted.

Universal staphylococcal decolonization for elective surgeries: The patient perspective.

Background: Staphylococcal decolonization decreases the risk of Staphylococcus aureus surgical site infection. This study evaluates patient perceptions and barriers to a universal Staphylococcal decolonization (USD) protocol.

Methods: In October 2013, a protocol for the decolonization of Staphylococcal aureus in elective orthopedic, neurosurgical, and cardiac surgeries was implemented in an effort to further decrease post-operative infections rates.

Barriers, perceptions, and adherence: Hand hygiene in the operating room and endoscopy suite.

We examined the perceptions and barriers to nonsurgical scrubbed hand hygiene in the operating room and endoscopy procedure room using 2 anonymous Likert-scale surveys. Results indicated poor role modeling, inconvenience, and the need to monitor hand hygiene and feedback data to providers because of poor self-awareness of hand hygiene practices.

Maintaining patency with packed red blood cell infusions: comparison of IV normal saline infusion vs. normal saline syringe method.

As blood products are being used more judiciously, registered nurses need to develop practices to facilitate the effective administration of these products. The study results suggest both the syringe push method and the continuous infusion method of normal saline provide adequate line patency during packed red blood cell infusions through peripheral catheters.