AORN

Perioperative nurses are known for their exceptional advocacy strength, protecting patients in the most vulnerable situations. But how good are you at advocating for yourself? A recent article indicated that, among 34% of nurses who wanted to quit their jobs, 52% said they were dissatisfied with their salary. It's important to know how you would negotiate a salary increase or promotion. https://lnkd.in/dkztchPg #ornurse #perioperative #nurselife #nurses #nursing #scrublife

🌈✨ As we celebrate Pride Month, we’re excited to share some essential lessons for nurses to enhance their understanding and support for transgender patients, who face a heightened risk of adverse outcomes and missed diagnoses. ⚡What Nurses Need to Know to Protect Transgender Patients 💪 1️⃣ Start with Conversation: Celebrate and affirm patients' chosen names and pronouns, updating their records accordingly. This simple yet powerful step builds trust and creates a supportive connection. 2️⃣ Clarify Documentation: Recognize the difference between legal and preferred names in medical records. Explain that legal names are required by law but reassure patients their preferred names will be used in interactions. 3️⃣ Respect Privacy: Ensure a safe, confidential, and welcoming space for discussions. Avoid over-asking about previous procedures unless relevant and maintain privacy and confidentiality. 4️⃣ Prioritize Comfort: Address patients' concerns, explain procedures, and provide compassionate care throughout their perioperative journey. Be open and honest about necessary tests and safety standards. 5️⃣ Advocate for Inclusivity: Inspire healthcare organizations to integrate transgender-inclusive best practices into policies and training. Display signs of acceptance, such as signage, rainbow stickers, and pronoun pins. 🤗 By embracing these principles and championing transgender-inclusive care, perioperative nurses can play a pivotal role in ensuring that every patient, regardless of gender identity, receives the respect and competent care they deserve. 👐 At AORN, we are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment for all our patients. Let's use this Pride Month as an opportunity to promote equitable healthcare for all. 💗 💗 #ORNurse #Nurse #Nursing #Nurses #Perioperative #PrideMonth 🌈

Introvert? Raise your hand! 🙋🏽♀️JK, you don’t have to be dramatic. Starting in any new role as a nurse can be challenging, and that’s especially true in the OR. The learning curve is steep, and lots of new things: new roles to learn, new faces, and even a new vocabulary. Coming into this environment as an introvert can add a whole extra level of complexity. Introverts are often perceived as shy, withdrawn, quiet, and unassuming; traits that are in stark contrast with those needed for success in the OR. Don’t sell yourself short! The reality is that introverts possess skills, such as active listening, attention to detail, and reflective thinking, that can bring depth and diversity to the perioperative team. 👉Tips for Introverts in the OR ✔ When working with a new team, don't be afraid to let them know you identify as an introvert or that you have some introverted personality traits. Let them know that when you're quiet, it doesn't mean you're not engaged, but rather that you are actively learning, processing, and working things through within yourself. ✔Keep in mind for yourself that while your tendency may be to completely think things through before communicating them, ideas and thoughts not fully formed still have value. Challenge yourself to communicate at times you might not normally feel comfortable by using phrases like, "I am thinking out loud," or "Bear with me as I try to articulate my thoughts." ✔If you need more time to think something through, don’t assume your preceptors or colleagues know that! Express that you’re still working through things by using a phrase like, “I am still processing – can you get back to me?” ✔Don’t be afraid to let new colleagues or preceptors know that, while you appreciate all they do to ensure your success and help you learn, there may be days when you’d do better taking a break alone to allow yourself time to quietly recharge. ✔Take time at the end of your day to speak one-on-one with your preceptors or colleagues to check in and discuss how a particular day or situation went, allowing yourself the comfort and space to communicate in a quieter moment. Thriving as an introverted OR nurse is possible through awareness and communication! Providing patients with the safe, effective, competent care is achieved in part by offering a diverse workforce, and that diversity is enhanced by the skills and traits introverted members of the team can offer. Know a nurse who might benefit from this post? Share this info with them and remember to use #AORNStitch! https://bit.ly/459mm8z #AORNStitch #surgerylife #perioperative #ORlife #Nurselife #Nurses #Nursing #introvert

Level up your timeouts! Time Outs serve as a compass, ensuring that everyone involved knows the plan and potential risks. A study in the June issue of the AORN Journal suggests supercharging these briefings with a visual checklist. Why? Because when we see and hear, our brains sync up to enhance attentiveness. Key takeaways from the study: ✔ Digitalization of the time out—projecting the checklist onto a screen or wall—allows all team members to view the process without compromising sterility and may strengthen their shared cognitive model. ✔ Projecting the preoperative briefing or time-out checklist onto a wall or large screen in the OR is cost-effective and efficient. ✔ It's not just about the tech! The study also emphasizes the importance of a collaborative environment—ask questions, share insights, and foster open discussion. How can we make timeouts even more engaging for the whole team? Let's chat in the comments! Sharing ideas creates a safer OR for everyone. Also, today is National Time Out Day! Take this study to the break room to see what your colleagues think. https://bit.ly/3KFBSzn #AORNJournal #nurselife #ORNurse #Nursing #Nurses #PeriopLife #Timeout #Perioperativecare #Safesurgery #Patientsafety

Congratulations to the Poster Award Winners at the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo 2024! The June issue of the AORN Journal features all of the outstanding poster and chapter award winners from Expo, along with a full slate of conference highlights. Featured below are three of the winning posters: • Surgical Team Structure: How Familiarity and Team Size Influence Communication Effectiveness in Military Surgical Teams (Pictured: Christopher Stucky, PhD, RN, CNOR, CSSM, NEA-BC, FAORN, FAAN), • Thermal Care Bundle and its Impact on Body Temperature, Shivering and Comfort During Surgery, Preliminary Results (Pictured: Esther Espuñes-Mestres), • All Eyes on Universal Protocol: An Evidence-Based Approach to Ophthalmology Clinic Procedures (Pictured [from left]: Ruthie R Mangino, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, NP-C, and Julia R. Chase). The original research, innovation, and evidence-based practice showcased in these posters comes from colleagues from across the nation and around the globe. With many of these posters, you may be able to apply the insights and lessons learned to your own practice. What were your favorite posters from Nashville? Let us know in the comments! https://bit.ly/3yUMsjF #NursingExcellence #Expo2024 #AORNJournal #PeriopLife #Nursing #NurseLife #Nurses #ORNurse

Are you short on hospital staff? Do you need expert support in managing your endoscopic equipment? Let KARL STORZ assist you in the OR, SPD, or both areas, while you focus on more critical matters. Boasting an impressive 96% satisfaction rate and a well-documented history of success, the On-Site Endoscopic Specialist program can deliver significant advantages to your facility, from slashing repair costs to optimizing perioperative procedures. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gwZ4FHMB #patientsafety #hospitals #sterileprocessing #sponsoredpost

🌸 "Nursing goes beyond medical procedures; it’s about holistic care and emotional support."🤝 🌟 From Fear to Calm: Helping Patients Overcome Surgical Anxiety 🌟 From the moment I stepped into the operating room at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, I knew this was more than just a job; it was a calling. As a fresh graduate, the sight of blood and the high-stress environment were daunting. Yet, with unwavering support from my colleagues and the hospital, I transformed from a tentative novice into a confident, compassionate nurse dedicated to providing exceptional care. ❤️ One of the most memorable experiences in my career was with a patient who had a deep-seated phobia of closed spaces. This fear, rooted in her childhood, was exacerbated by the thought of undergoing surgery. Sensing her anxiety, I decided to employ techniques I had learned from my yoga training 🧘♀️, which I took up to manage the stress inherent in our profession. With her consent, I guided her through a meditation exercise, accompanied by calming music designed to stimulate alpha and beta brainwaves, reducing stress. Holding her hand, I led her through breathing exercises, helping her find a sense of peace and control. As we moved to the induction room for her IV insertion, I continued to support her, both physically and emotionally. The transformation was remarkable; her fear dissipated, replaced by a calm confidence. The surgery was a success, not just because of the medical expertise involved, but because of the trust and connection we established. This experience reaffirmed my belief that nursing goes beyond medical procedures; it’s about holistic care and emotional support. My journey into nursing was not straightforward. Initially, I wanted to pursue a career in business, driven by a passion for the corporate world. However, at my father's urging and considering the needs of our country, I enrolled in nursing school alongside my business studies. Balancing both was challenging, and eventually, I chose to focus solely on nursing. Despite my initial fear of blood and the intricacies of patient care, the encouragement from patients and mentors propelled me forward. One patient, in particular, played a pivotal role. During my training, I was terrified of causing him pain while inserting an IV. He insisted that I proceed, saying, "If we don’t support our nurses, who will?" This moment of trust and encouragement marked a turning point in my career. 🌟 In essence, nursing has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the profound impact of human connection. Every challenge, every fear overcome, and every smile shared with a patient reaffirms my dedication to this noble profession. 🤗 - Maisoun Kassem, BSN, RN Join us throughout our 75th anniversary as we share our members’ stories in our Periop Portraits series. Drop a story about your own journey in the comments below. #Nurselife #ORnurse #Nursing #Nurses #PeriopPortraits

Make bladder cancer treatment safer! To prevent spills of chemotherapy drugs and protect staff members during bladder cancer treatment, a large health care system implemented a device that eliminated spills across four surgical locations. How did they do it? 1. Identified a cost-effective disposable clamp. 2. Reviewed and updated safety gear protocols for staff members handling these drugs. 3. Provided training to staff on the new procedures. Access the June issue of AORN Journal and see how their proactive steps improved patient and staff safety. Share your thoughts! What do you think about the article? Do you currently use similar methods? Can you see this working at your facility? https://lnkd.in/gNk-rCfA #ORnurse #HazardousMedication #MedicationSafety #NursesOnLinkedIn #ScrubLife #PeriopLife #NMIBC #AORNJournal #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife

For many, the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence aligns with the desire to improve workflow consistency and efficiency in health care processes. In nursing, specifically, these models are being used to interpret nursing documentation, predict adverse events, and assist in interactive patient education models. However, while these models may offer certain advantages to perioperative professionals, they also come with limitations. In the June Issue of the AORN Journal, Periop Briefing dives into the application of AI in perioperative nursing, highlighting the potential benefits and the current limitations of these models. https://bit.ly/3XbEAV1 #artificialintelligence #AI #machinelearning #deeplearning #healthtech #perioplife #nursing #nurselife #scrublife #ORnurse #AORNJournal #PeriopBriefing

Looking for some inspiration in your perioperative life? Meet Mary Jane Seacole. Born in Jamaica in 1805 during the slave trade in the Caribbean, Mary was born a "free person" even though her mother was black. Her father, James Grant, was a white Scottish army commander. She grew up watching her mother caring for wounded soldiers and their wives in Blundell Hall, a local boarding house. She saved her first cholera patient in 1853, gaining a deeper understanding of the pathology of this disease, which she herself contracted and recovered from. That same year, she worked with medical authorities to provide nursing care during a yellow fever epidemic in Jamaica. Contribution to Nursing She traveled to London and applied to assist during the Crimean war, but despite her extensive experience and excellent references, her requests were denied, most likely due to prejudice and racism. Her desire to help and serve others could not be stopped by discrimination, and she set up a one-stop hotel, providing food, supplies, and holistic remedies. Mary eventually went to the battle zone as a sutler – a person who follows the army and sells provisions to the troops. With her large stock of medicines, she successfully treated and served others on the battlefield. Connection to Perioperative Nursing Mary gained knowledge from her mother and the physicians who stayed at the boarding house that she and her mother later established in Kingston. She learned how to use hygiene, ventilation, warmth, hydration, rest, empathy, and healthy nutrition, in addition to traditional herbal remedies. Considering how important principles of hygiene are to perioperative patients, her practice serves as a foundation for today’s guidelines that are used to keep patients safe in the operating room. After being lost to British history for a century as some argued that she was not a formally trained nurse, there has been a rebirth of interest in Mary and efforts to recognize her accomplishments. In 2004, she was voted the Greatest Black Briton, and in 2016, a statue was unveiled in the grounds of St Thomas’ Hospital on London’s Southbank. Mary positively influenced perioperative nursing through her strong commitment to patient advocacy. "To be an advocate, you must also have the courage to speak up—even when it is difficult,” she once said. Despite being told "no" over and over, Mary could not be stopped from advocating for her patients in their time of need. This courage is something we can all look up to as we face challenges in our daily practice. Mary Seacole is a role model for patient advocacy whom we can channel in our times of need. Save this post for when you need some inspiration 💖 https://bit.ly/3VuhN5q #AORNStitch #surgerylife #perioperative #ORlife #Nurselife #Nurses #Nursing #blacknurse