Trach Trays

[RNSHAMBLS]

Does anyone have a policy regarding keeping trach trays at the bedside of every patient who has a thyroidectomy? Lately this has become a huge issue with us in that the trays are sent with the patient from the OR, then we never get them back. The doctors who do the surgery don't ask for them to be at the bedside, but our risk management nurse says they should be there. I think if we place one trach tray on each unit, we're covered.

Any comments?

[nmurd1]

We consider everything that enters a patient room "contaminated" and must be discarded when the patient is discharged. With this policy thyroids were becoming a nightmare. It was not an issue with the doctors, but the nurses insisted it be kept at the bedside. After many, many months they now are keeping a trach in their med rooms. :)