Training nurses and technologists for trauma surgery

Getting assigned to a trauma for the first time is still stressful for perioperative staff members. However, viewing the video/DVD does seem to help overcome some of the inherent anxiety. In addition, encouraging new or inexperienced staff nurses and technologists to participate on trauma cases with more seasoned staff also seems to alleviate some of those fears. Saying "let's make believe it's an emergency" and setting up quickly for a scheduled case will keep those skills current. Having staff members utilize "what if" scenarios tends to keep them thinking and anticipating. Prioritizing and reviewing all the case actions will allow nurses and technologists to perform these actions/skills in an emergency without even thinking. Although specific internal injuries a trauma patient will have cannot always be predicted, the perioperative staff members must still use their basic training to be ready for anything that comes through the doors to surgery. Making a video seemed like an overwhelming task at first, but the team sought out guidance and support from appropriate resources (videographer, surgeons, etc) in order to collaborate effectively, and the result was a great educational product. The Staff Development team continues to present inservices that are specialty or case specific. The "trauma" aspect of these presentations is also always included to reinforce the topics that were brought out in the video.