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5?? Often overlooked strategies to reduce SSIs ?? Did you know colorectal surgery comes with a higher risk for SSIs? But don’t worry—you’ve got the power to make a difference! ?? A recent study uncovered critical barriers to fully implementing the CDC’s SSI prevention guidelines in the OR. And thankfully, these gaps can be closed with 5?? overlooked strategies that can transform your practice: 1?? Use antimicrobial (triclosan-coated) sutures: Quick and easy to implement, with strong evidence of SSI risk reduction. ?? 2?? Monitor blood glucose: Hyperglycemia is a well-known risk factor for SSIs. Ensure blood glucose is routinely monitored and properly documented throughout surgical care. ?? 3?? Maintain normothermia: Hypothermia is another risk factor for SSIs. Ensure patient warming measures continue until the patient is normothermic, and that temperature monitoring devices are standardized for consistency. ??? 4?? Ensure proper oxygenation: Post-op oxygen therapy is often prematurely discontinued. Be sure supplemental oxygen is maintained in line with the guidelines. 5?? implement mechanical bowel prep and oral antibiotics: Boost compliance by using standardized order sets and team education. ?? But as you know, it’s not just about colorectal surgery—any surgical patient is at risk for SSIs if the latest sterile technique practices aren’t followed. AORN’s updated Guideline for Sterile Technique highlights two key safety tips you can follow: ??Change surgical gloves regularly ????Always double glove ?? As Peter Graves, BSN, RN, CNOR, shared: “Barriers to safe practices force surgical teams to make tough choices, but by bridging these gaps, we can improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.” ?? #Perioperative #Periop #ORNurse #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife #Nurse #ORLife #PatientSafety

Managing patient anxiety is no laughing matter! You may need to call on your ingenuity and compassion to find ways to calm pre-op jitters. Having a sense of humor can help as we approach some of these tough scenarios. Our comic, In Scrubs & In Stitches, offers a lighthearted viewpoint into the real-world challenges and rewards of working in the periop world. Find more entertaining takes on OR life, along with practical solutions, fun games, tips & tricks in The Stitch! ?? #AORNStitch #surgerylife #perioperative #ORlife #nurse #nurselife #nurses #nursing #ORnurse

What does the future of perioperative nursing look like? ?? Although progress has been made in the field of nursing, there is still a lot of work to do. The third report on the future of nursing, “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030,” outlines ways in which nurses can continue to be a positive force for change. In the October Issue of AORN Journal, we highlight many of the topics outlined in the report. Some of these articles include: ?????? ? Using an Academic-Practice Partnership to Address the Perioperative Nursing Shortage ? Embracing Our Differences: Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through Perioperative Nursing Education ? Supporting Perioperative Safety During a Disaster Through Clinical Crisis Education ? Fostering Nurse Well-Being to Promote Equitable Care Nurses at all levels can advocate for and effect change. What’s the single biggest issue for the perioperative nursing profession right now? Tell us below???? https://lnkd.in/gWRehh9P Not a member? Join today and get full access to the AORN Journal. #surgerylife #AORNJournal #ORNurse #Nursing #NurseLife #Nurses

A global pandemic, quarantine, and a race for a vaccine. No, not COVID—smallpox in colonial America. ?? In the 1700s, smallpox ravaged North America. While the world desperately searched for a solution, three unlikely heroes emerged in Boston, MA: Onesimus, an enslaved person who introduced the concept of inoculation; Cotton Mather, a clergyman; and Zabdiel Boylston, a young surgeon. Together, they pioneered early inoculation, reducing mortality rates in Boston from 16% to just 2% in 1721. Despite fierce opposition, their groundbreaking work in Boston laid the foundation for modern vaccines, inspiring British physician Edward Jenner’s famous smallpox vaccine, changing the world forever. Today, Boston remains a leader in medical innovation. That’s why AORN is proud to host the 72nd annual Global Surgical Conference & Expo in this historic city, April 5-8! What will be the next chapter in your nursing journey? How can AORN Expo help you write it? Share what you’re looking forward to ???? ???? Don’t forget the early bird special! Sign up to receive a message from AORN when registration opens. https://lnkd.in/gq82wgCN #AORN2025 #TogetherWeRise #MedicalHistory #Inoculation #Smallpox #Nurses #Nursing #ORNurse #NurseLife #Nurse

?? Ever wonder how many muscles it takes to smile? Is it 10? 17? 43? This September, we saw every one of them working at the Guidelines Workshops, in Denver and L.A. where perioperative nurses came together to elevate patient care. ? From diving into Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) to mastering infection prevention, patient temperature management, and tackling surgical smoke safety, the workshops were full of collaborative energy and smiles. Nurses engaged in hands-on simulations, participated in expert-led sessions, and shared real-world experiences that will have a direct impact on patient outcomes. Our periop community is unstoppable when we unite—every session proved that we’re stronger and more innovative as a team, learning and growing from each other. ?????? It was inspiring to witness how nurses can transform care by bringing their passion and knowledge to the table. The friendships made, the skills gained, and the solutions discussed are shaping the future of perioperative care. ?????????? What does it take to create a powerful learning environment? A community like ours. We have two more Guidelines Workshops in October and two in November. https://bit.ly/3ZMGegP So, do you know how many muscles it takes to smile? ??Tell us ???? #Nurse #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife #ORNurse #Periop #Perioperative #PeriopNurse #PatientSafety

Another Year, More Disappointment for ASCs: Regulatory Setbacks Continue ?? Takeaways: 1. ASC payment rates aren’t keeping up with inflation, making it harder for us to cover rising costs. 2. CMS’s 2025 proposed payment rule continues to fall short, with no real improvements for ASC reimbursement. 3. Inflation is squeezing our budgets—higher equipment and staffing costs, but no relief in sight. 4. ASCs still provide safe, cost-effective care that patients prefer, despite the regulatory challenges. 5. We need to speak up—advocacy is critical to push for better policies that support ASCs and the work we do. Now, here’s what’s going on: In the latest round of updates, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released their 2025 proposed payment rule, and, well, let’s just say it’s not what we were hoping for. ?? Once again, ASC payment rates haven’t been adjusted to keep up with inflation. While costs continue to rise—equipment, salaries, you name it—reimbursement rates remain stagnant. ?? Inflation is a Big Problem With rising equipment costs and the need to pay staff fairly, inflation is hitting hard. Yet, the payment rates aren’t adjusting to reflect this reality. It’s becoming harder to invest in new tech and retain the skilled people needed to provide top-tier care. ?? The Good News? ASCs Still Excel at Patient Outcomes Even though ASCs are dealing with tighter margins, studies show that patients are as safe—if not safer—in ASCs compared to hospitals. Plus, patients love the convenience of outpatient care. They can go home the same day and recover in a familiar environment. ?? So why isn’t the regulatory landscape keeping up with the value provided? That’s the big question. ?? Your turn! What are your thoughts on this year’s regulatory updates? How do you think we can better support ASCs and our patients? tell us ???? This, and other great ASC-content, is waiting for you: https://lnkd.in/gjuvZYMf #ASCLife #OutpatientSurgery #NurseAdvocacy #HealthcareRegulations #ASCChallenges #ASC

Infection Prevention: A Perioperative Nurse's Guide to Stopping Surgical Site Infections ?? Hey #PeriopNurses, let's talk about one of the biggest responsibilities we have in the OR—preventing SSIs. Not the most glamorous part of the job, but WOW is it important. In fact, SSIs are one of the most common types of healthcare-associated infections. ?? The good news? You, as a perioperative nurse, are absolutely critical in keeping SSIs at bay and protecting patients. Here are a few essential steps that we can all take to reduce the risk: ?? 1. It All Starts with Sterility We know this, but it’s always worth a reminder—everything needs to be sterile. From the surgical instruments to our hands and the environment we’re working in, maintaining sterility is key. Even the smallest breach in protocol can introduce bacteria into the surgical wound. It’s why we double-check everything and go through those pre-surgical checklists like our lives (and the patient's!) depend on it. ?? 2. Proper Skin Antisepsis Before surgery, prepping the patient’s skin with the right antiseptic solution is critical. This step dramatically lowers the number of microorganisms on the skin and reduces the risk of contamination. As simple as it sounds, getting this right is one of the most effective tools in preventing SSIs. ?? 3. Hand Hygiene (Yes, Again!) We hear it constantly, but hand hygiene really is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Washing your hands before and after every patient interaction isn’t just protocol—it’s your first line of defense. Make it a habit, every single time. ?? 4. Antibiotic Stewardship Another biggie! Administering the correct prophylactic antibiotics before surgery can go a long way in preventing SSIs. Timing matters too! Ideally, these antibiotics should be given within one hour before the incision. But we also need to be mindful of not overusing them to avoid antibiotic resistance. It’s all about balance. ?? 5. Post-Op Care is Just as Important Prevention doesn’t stop once the surgery is over. Post-op care is just as crucial! Monitoring wounds for signs of infection, educating patients on proper wound care at home, and ensuring they follow their post-surgery instructions can make a huge difference in recovery. ?? Key Takeaway: As perioperative nurses, we’re the first and last line of defense against surgical site infections. Every action we take, from sterilizing instruments to patient education, plays a role in keeping infections out of the OR and promoting faster, safer recoveries for our patients. So, what are your go-to SSI prevention techniques? Share your best practices below and let’s keep our ORs infection-free together! ?? #InfectionPrevention #PerioperativeNurse #SSI #PatientSafety #ORLife #SurgicalNursing #NurseBestPractices #Periop #Perioperative #ORNurse #ORLife #NurseLife #Nurses #Nursing #Nurse

Your third-grade teacher ??was right; games are a great way to recharge, maybe learn a little, and now that you’re a grown-up, sharpen your perioperative nurse skill set. Lucky for you, The Stitch ?? has tons of games to keep things interesting. Check out our flashcards, word searches, crossword puzzles and more at https://bit.ly/3TQ9QXg. ?Be sure to challenge a nurse friend in the comments! Even more fun: share these on the ?? playground… er, in the breakroom, with your work besties. **Save this post for your next brain break** #AORNStitch #surgerylife #perioperative #ORlife #nurse #nurselife #nurses #nursing #ORnurse #quiz #game

?? "I don’t eat until my team has." - Shannen Baggett, BSN, RN ?? Shannen Baggett’s leadership is defined by her unwavering commitment to putting her team first. And we’re excited to spotlight her as one of AORN’s Emerging Leaders Under 40. ?????? During the pandemic, Shannen’s dedication to her team was tested as she transitioned from the OR to the ICU, supporting younger nurses through the toughest challenges of their careers. "I had to be the person my team could lean on," she says. "Leadership isn’t just a title—it’s about being there for your people." Her leadership extends to the little things that make a big difference. "I believe in really getting to know the people you work with—their strengths, their struggles, what makes them smile. Something as simple as handing them their favorite coffee can make a huge difference," she said. ? From guiding her team through difficult moments to helping hospitals elevate their trauma care, Shannen leads with empathy and action. Whether it’s making sure her team is taken care of before herself or recognizing the small moments that boost morale, her leadership is rooted in compassion and selflessness. When Shannen isn’t at work, she’s all about quality time with her family, drawing adventure ideas from their weekly jar and maximizing every moment. ?????????? How do you lead with heart? Share with us below! ???? Stay tuned as we recognize more amazing Emerging Leaders who are shaping the future of nursing with their passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Read the entire blog on the AORN website. #nurselife #ORnurse #Nursing #Nurses #Nurse #Periop #leadership #leadershipskills

Who were America’s first nurses? It all started in Boston, the host of the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo, April 5-8, 2025. This week, we’re honoring the incredible women who paved the way for nurses in American history, continuing our celebration of Boston’s impact on perioperative nursing. When the American Revolution began in 1775, many brave women stepped up, following troops into battle to care for and heal the wounded. Their value was so recognized that in 1776, Congress raised nurses’ pay and established the first organized system for assigning and paying nurses in the military. Their commitment saved countless lives and set the foundation for healthcare in the U.S. Fast forward nearly a century, and pioneers like Agnes Elizabeth Jones and Linda Richards continued to shape the future of nursing. In 1873, Richards became the first professionally trained nurse in the U.S., graduating from the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston. Since then, nurses have led the charge in setting best practices, ensuring patient safety, and advancing healthcare standards. This legacy lives on today, and AORN is proud to continue it for perioperative professionals. Add to this rich history and write your own story with us at AORN Expo 2025 in Boston, April 5-8! ???? Get a message from AORN when registration opens—to take advantage of our early bird discount! https://lnkd.in/gq82wgCN ?? Let’s keep the vibes alive. ? Tell us about a nurse who inspires you in the comments. ?? ? Share this post with your nursing squad! ? Tag a fellow nurse who would love to attend AORN Expo 2025! #PerioperativeNursing #AORNExpo2025 #NursingLegacy #NursePioneers #ORNurse #NurseLife #Nurse #Nurses #Nursing #Periop #PeriopNurse #PeriopLife