AORN

Planning for the day is tough. AORN's The Stitch 🪡 wants to know the organization tips you give to new periop nurses. #ORNurse #Nursing #Nurses #Nurse #NurseLife #Perioperative

Wipe and Flush Instruments During a Procedure to Prevent Biofilms 👉The numbers don’t lie - surgical site infections (SSI’s) make up more than 40% of adult health care–associated infections. Multidrug resistance to the two most reported pathogens, 😷 Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, means that treating infections is becoming even more tricky. Biofilms result when microbes become attached to surfaces, forming a mass that is difficult to remove. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared that bacteria within biofilms are up to 1,000 times more resistant to antimicrobials than are the same bacteria in suspension. Reducing Biofilms ✔To prevent the development of SSIs, wipe and flush ✂ surgical instruments used during procedures to reduce the build-up of biofilms on them. Point-of-Use Treatment ✔The surgical technologist should use sterile water 💦 to wipe and flush the instruments and keep them moist during the procedure. Nix the normal saline! The sodium chloride can cause pitting and rusting on the instruments, creating microscopic spaces where biofilm can form. Following the Manufacturer's IFU ✔ Not sure? Check the equipment’s instructions for use (IFU). An IFU for reusable medical devices may instruct you avoid solutions with a high chlorine content or specify that cannulated devices should be flushed with sterile or purified water. 📌 Save this post for future reference! Revisit these steps and share your biofilm prevention tips in the comments. https://bit.ly/3L96x8z #AORNStitch #surgerylife #perioperative #ORlife #nurse #nurselife #nurses #nursing #ORnurse

✳️ Tips to help with chronic injuries due to SPHM✳️ Safe patient handling and movement isn’t just for the patients. The guidelines help ensure your safety too. Avoid chronic musculoskeletal injuries when positioning patients so you can stay safe. 🚑💪 Strategies for the riskiest patient positions 🛌🔄Prone Position - Transfer the patient to the edge of a stretcher safely - Ensure proper height ratio between the stretcher and OR bed - Turn the patient correctly onto their side and then prone - Reposition hips to maintain spinal alignment - Use support mechanisms in the surgical table ↔️🛏️Lateral Position - Place the patient into supine carefully - Move the patient to the edge of the OR bed for turning - Lift the patient’s torso correctly to place axillary positioning devices - Use lateral transfer devices or patient slings 🦵↕️ Lithotomy Position - Reposition the patient to a lower bed position safely - Align legs properly in leg holders - Ensure enough team members are available for safe repositioning - Use assistive devices to prevent injuries during repositioning 🛏️⬆️⬇️Supine Position - Position legs and move arms safely - Assist patients into the correct position with care - If the patient can move themselves, supervise for safety - Use air lateral transfer devices for limited mobility patients "We put our patients first, which is why nurses remain the most trusted profession,” said Shosha Beal, MSN, CNOR, CSPHA, who has 20 years of periop practice. “But we need to remember that preventing injury applies to us as well. The pain we experience from on-the-job patient handling is 100 percent preventable.” 🚑💪 To further support your safety, AORN recently updated its Guideline for Safe Patient Handling and Movement for 2024. These updates include recommendations for using patient lift equipment, individualized safe patient handling plans, and comprehensive fall risk and mobility assessments. Implementing these guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and ensure safer working conditions. 🌟 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bjc4nB Let's prioritize our safety while providing top-notch care for our patients. Together, we can prevent these injuries and enjoy a long, fulfilling career in the OR. 🌟 #Perioperative #Periop #ORNurse #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife #Nurse #Patientsafety

🚨Airway Emergency in Surgery🚨 An airway emergency can be a scary situation, but don't worry, we'll break it down into easy steps. First things first: Stay calm! You can't help the patient if you're panicking. Take a deep breath and focus on what needs to be done. Next, it's all about teamwork: • Get help: Call a code overhead to bring your team leader and other nurses into the OR. They can grab supplies, answer questions, or assist with compressions. • Grab the crash cart: This has essential life-saving equipment. Delegate this task if you can. • Grab the airway emergency cart: If your unit has one, grab it too (or delegate!). It should have a tracheostomy set and other supplies you might need. • While calling a code and grabbing the carts, the anesthesia team will likely start chest compressions and prepare medications while you get things ready. • Prepare for the possibility of an emergency tracheostomy. • Partake in the code by applying defibrillator pads, taking over a round of compressions, or timing and recording the compressions. Be prepared for a possible tracheostomy: This is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe to deliver oxygen. You won't be alone, but it's important to know where the supplies are. Save this post! It's a handy reference for those quick moments you need to remember the steps. Download the pocket card! https://bit.ly/3XBwNjs #AORNStitch #ornurse #nursing #nurselife #nurse #nurses #perioperative #periop #periopnurse

Perioperative Magnetic Resonance Safety: A Refresher for Nurses Perioperative nurses play a vital role in ensuring patient and staff safety when working in an OR equipped with a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. The powerful magnets used in MR pose unique safety risks, so adhering to established protocols is crucial. Here's a quick review of key points: ✔ MR Zones: The MR environment is divided into zones with varying levels of magnetic field strength. Zone IV, closest to the scanner, requires the strictest safety measures. ✔ Missile Effect: Ferromagnetic objects near the magnet can be pulled with tremendous force, posing a serious injury risk. ✔ MR-Compatible Equipment: Only equipment specifically designed for MR use should be brought into zones III and IV. ✔ Perioperative MR Safety Plan: A comprehensive plan should outline patient screening, safe equipment management, and clear communication protocols. ✔ Safety Checklists: Utilizing checklists before, during, and after surgery ensures all safety measures are addressed. ☝️Remember: • Review the MR safety plan and associated procedures. • Participate in MR safety training. • Work with your team to ensure a safe environment for everyone. By collaborating and following established safety protocols, perioperative nurses can contribute significantly to a successful outcome in the perioperative MR setting. Don't miss out! Read the full journal on our website and share your thoughts in the comments below. https://bit.ly/4eGLFD4 Not a member? Join today to start receiving AORN Journal content. https://lnkd.in/gTRVP8Yg #surgerylife #ORlife #nurse #nurses #aornjournal #nurselife #surgery #perioperative #nursing #MRIsafety #patientcare

Helping Kids Conquer Surgery Jitters Little ones have unique needs when it comes to the OR, and feeling anxious before surgery is normal. Here are some ways you can help them (and their families) feel calmer: Be a Champion for Communication • Talk like they talk: Ditch the medical jargon and explain things in a way that's age-appropriate. Younger kids may respond well to pictures or simple explanations, while teenagers might appreciate more details. • Partner with parents: Their anxiety can easily transfer to their child. Address their concerns, answer their questions, and reassure them that you'll all work together as a team. Distraction is Your Secret Weapon • Fun and games: Preoperative playtime with games, videos, or even silly stories can take their mind off worries and create a more positive atmosphere. • Keeping it calm: A quiet OR with less stimulation can make a big difference for a nervous child. Think dimmed lights and lowered voices. The Power of Familiarity • Parental presence is a plus: Studies show that having a parent or familiar caregiver by their side during induction and emergence from anesthesia can significantly reduce a child's anxiety. Medications Might Be Needed • The anesthesia professional might prescribe medication – these can help calm the child before surgery. Make sure there's enough time for them to take effect before heading to the OR. Bookmark this post so you can easily refer to these tips. Share your insights for working with pediatric patients in the comments. Get the full story: https://bit.ly/3VJTxet Not a member? Join today to start receiving AORN Journal content: https://lnkd.in/gTRVP8Yg #surgerylife #ORlife #nurse #nurses #aornjournal #nurselife #surgery #pediatricnursing #nursing

New safe patient handling and movement guideline Empower your surgical team to build a program that minimizes injuries for both patients and healthcare workers. Move patients safely and confidently with: 1️⃣ Proven techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in the OR 2️⃣ Guidance on selecting the right equipment to ensure a safe environment 3️⃣ Strategies for creating a culture of safety that prioritizes well-being 4️⃣ Plus, tips for incorporating ergonomics and promoting a smooth return-to-work after injury Stronger teams, better care. Watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/gkzzUfDY Get the new Guidelines Book: https://lnkd.in/gdRxBb2n #perioperative #patientcare #safety #healthcareworkers #injuryprevention #ornurse #nursing #nurses #nurselife

Optimizing Care for Complex Cases: Knee Revision Surgery Knee revision surgery is a growing field within orthopedics, presenting both opportunities and challenges for healthcare providers. Key takeaways: • Technical Expertise: Revisions demand a high degree of surgical proficiency due to the unpredictable nature of these procedures. • Strategic Planning: Careful planning and logistical considerations are essential for successful outcomes in revision cases. • Infection Prevention: Mitigating infection risk is paramount, requiring a multifaceted approach involving patient optimization, surgical techniques, and antibiotic prophylaxis. • Communication is Key: Setting realistic expectations with patients preoperatively is crucial for managing their recovery journey. Should your ASC perform knee revision surgery? It's tricky. Here's why: • More parts: Revisions need a wider variety of tools, so you need a bigger stock on hand. • Sterile processing: Revisions use more instruments, so your sterile processing crew needs to be on point. Sometimes, fast isn't best. Revisions can take longer than planned. Be prepared for marathons, not sprints! The future of outpatient revisions is promising, but navigating the complexities requires a collaborative effort from surgeons, nurses, and healthcare administrators. Considering knee revision surgery in your ASC? You may get a kick out of “Navigating Knee Revision Surgery” from Outpatient Surgery Magazine: https://lnkd.in/g4hzQ2rq #perioperative #jointreplacement #revisionsurgery #outpatientsurgery #ASC #perioperative #periop #ornurse #nursing #nurselife #nurses #nurse

☎️ Finding My Calling: 32 Years of Passion and Purpose in the OR✨ “Each day presents new opportunities to care for and support patients through their surgical journeys, and I find immense fulfillment in guiding them through their fears and uncertainties." - Marell Hazel A. Garcia, DNP, MS, RN As I reflect on my journey from childhood to the present day, I can't help but think about my unwavering passion for making a positive impact on people's lives. This drive led me to pursue a career in nursing, and I soon discovered my love for the fast-paced and intricate world of surgical nursing. When I first moved to the United States, I encountered a patient in need of a brain biopsy for a potential diagnosis of prion disease. This was a challenging situation for our team, as we lacked experience in dealing with this particular illness and providing the necessary surgical nursing care. We sought guidance from management, highlighting the urgent need for more information about the disease and the specific responsibilities of surgical nurses in ensuring the safety and well-being of such patients. This experience served as a powerful reminder of the importance of continuous learning 📚 and adherence to established guidelines. It prompted me to delve into the essential protocols for safe practice, leading me to join AORN that same year. 🤝 Over the past 32 years, I've taken on various leadership roles in perioperative nursing, honing my skills and expertise. When the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected changes, I ventured into psychiatric nursing 🧠, which broadened my perspective. However, my heart always yearned to return to the operating room, where I feel most alive and in my element. The operating room is where I thrive, juggling multiple tasks, making split-second decisions ⏱️, and working seamlessly with a diverse team to carry out complex procedures. These are the challenges and rewards that fuel my passion for surgical nursing. Each day presents new opportunities to care for and support patients through their surgical journeys, and I find immense fulfillment in guiding them through their fears and uncertainties. Being an OR nurse is not just a job – it's a calling that brings me joy, purpose, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. 💖 🎉Our Periop Portraits series will continue throughout 2024. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals within our perioperative community. 💎 Each story in this series is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and resilience of our perioperative nurses. We’re hoping these stories inspire and uplift you and remind you of the profound impact that caring professionals can have on patients and their families. 📢Have a story to tell? We want to hear from you. Share it at: https://bit.ly/441hYHZ #Nurselife #ORnurse #Nursing #Nurses #Nurse #Periop #PeriopPortraits

Enhancing Patient Care with Safe Patient Handling and Movement (SPHM) Programs SPHM is all about ensuring the well-being of both patients and healthcare workers. It’s the integration of safe handling practices into patient mobility throughout their hospitalization. By promoting early and progressive movement, we can improve patient outcomes and enhance staff safety. 💪 Key Components of an Effective SPHM Program: • Compliance with Regulations: An SPHM program should align with federal, state, and local regulations. Let’s keep everyone safe while following the rules! • Three Phases of Care: Whether it’s preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative, SPHM practices should be seamlessly integrated. Creating a holistic approach to patient care is important. • Team Collaboration: It takes a village! Determine the optimal number of team members needed for safe patient movement. Teamwork makes the dream work! • Assistive Devices: Leverage ergonomic lifting devices to protect both patients and staff. • Risk Reduction Strategies: High-risk tasks demand our attention. Let’s identify ways to minimize injuries during patient handling—no more twisting, bending, or reaching without a plan! Remember, safe patient handling isn’t just a program—it’s a commitment to excellence. Let’s lift each other up (literally!) and create a healthier, safer healthcare environment. 🔗 The AORN Guideline Quick View is a vital resource within Guideline Essentials, helping perioperative teams apply evidence-based guidelines effectively. Access it with your AORN membership: Guideline Quick View: https://bit.ly/4b2Dz4F #AORNJournal #nurselife #ORNurse #Nursing #Nurses #PeriopLife #SPHM #Perioperativecare #Safesurgery #Patientsafety