Sterile Field and Sterile Gloving: Special Considerations (Nursing)

00:04 Now let's take a look at some of those considerations that I showed you in regards to sterile items.

00:10 Now first of all, don't forget about proper inspection of the package.

00:15 Now if you remember, it's really important to look at expiration date because we want to make sure this equipment is the safest and up to date for a patient and that it's effective.

00:25 Now, if you remember, once I opened my sterile field, I didn't run off, I made sure that I left it in front of me and I maintain eye contact the whole time.

00:34 Now this is important because that way, I can ensure that it remains sterile.

00:40 Next, if you remember, we make sure that we want to move the sterile field appropriately.

00:46 What I mean by that is I showed you about that one inch border.

00:50 Now this is really important because if I need to move that I'm allowed to touch that one inch border in case I need to move it closer to my patient.

01:00 And lastly, transferring non sterile items onto the sterile field is a big no no.

01:06 Remember, sterile the sterile like I told you before that if you have a sterile field, only sterile items can go on that field.

01:15 Let's take a last look at really important reminders for your sterile field.

01:20 So first of all, gather all the equipment first.

01:23 I can't stress this enough because if you're in a patient room, you open up your sterile field.

01:29 And then you need gauze -, or an extra pair of gloves.

01:33 Well, if you remember, you cannot leave your sterile field.

01:37 So it's really important to have all that equipment.

01:41 Now it's always a good idea.

01:43 If you do or if you have a item maybe that needs to be added to the sterile field, have someone there to assist you.

01:52 And really important, just slow down and think through that process.

01:56 So a lot of the times when we're learning this skill, we have lots of stuff that we're doing in that sterile field.

02:02 Slow down, think through the process to make sure we're maintaining a sterile environment.

02:07 And lastly, once you've done that, make sure that you're aware of any sharps or blood and body fluids that could be around when you're cleaning up your sterile field.