Case Study 1: Betty is the Associate Nurse Unit Manager in charge of Orthopedic Surgery Discipline. She is a very efficient operating theatre nurse who has vast experience in orthopedic. She had just been employed to Chisholm Hospital operating theatre.

Case Study 1:

Betty is the Associate Nurse Unit Manager in charge of Orthopedic Surgery Discipline. She is a very efficient operating theatre nurse who has vast experience in orthopedic. She had just been employed to Chisholm Hospital operating theatre. Betty migrated from India and English is her second language. Jasmina is an instrument technician whose is originally from Croatia. Jasmina speaks with a distinct accent however she is very well-versed with the AS4187 standards and all policy and procedure by hard.

One Friday, Betty instructed Jasmina to reprocess the ten full loan kit trays Exeter Trident (hip) from Stryker for patient UR no. 12567 by Mr. Smith Jones surgery schedule for Monday first case in the morning. Later that evening another loan kit trays Triathlon (knee) arrived for patient UR number 15765 by Mr. Smith Jones schedule for Monday afternoon list.

On that Monday morning Mr. Smith Jones was very angry and screaming to the CSSD team when he walked into CSSD with Betty because the Triathlon tray was reprocessed for Monday morning case for patient 12567 instead of Exeter Trident. Patient had to be reversed from anesthesia and send back to the ward. This has angered the patient family and they threatened to sue the hospital.

John, the CSSD supervisor was back on first day from his long weekend off was in the middle of this tension between Mr. Smith Jones, Betty and Jasmina. Then Mr. Smith Jones threatened to report to CEO and he walked off angrily. Betty and Jasmina was having a heated argument trying to blame each other and John had to step in to diffuse the situation.

1. What communication strategies can be utilized to address the problems that are evident in the case scenario of Betty and Jasmina?
2. How can you help to build strong relationships between operating theatre team and CSSD team?
3. What are the barriers to communication?
4. What can you do within your scope of your role?
5. What resources/assistance can be accessed?
6. What should Jasmina have done in this situation?