AORN

“Every patient interaction is personal. Treat each one like family.” – Fayoke Fatade, DNP, RN, NEA-BC What does it take to balance an unwavering passion for patient care, raise a family of three, and lead a team of perioperative professionals in today’s demanding healthcare environment? For Fayoke Fatade, it’s about heart, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others. ?? Fayoke’s journey began in Nigeria, where her parents, both advanced practice nurses, inspired her passion for healthcare. Initially dreaming of becoming a surgeon, she discovered her true calling in nursing, where deep human connections made all the difference. But her path wasn’t easy. As a single mother to three active kids, she earned her doctorate while juggling full-time work and family responsibilities. ?? “I didn’t know how I did it, but somehow, I made it through,” she said. Today, with 15+ years of experience, Fayoke is a trailblazer at Stamford Health. As a nurse manager, she ensures every patient receives personalized, compassionate care. ? And Fayoke’s leadership goes beyond patient care—she’s a mentor, a problem solver, and a champion for her team. From addressing workforce recruitment challenges to tailoring her leadership approach for a multi-generational staff, she’s dedicated to building a positive culture in a complex healthcare environment. ?? “It’s not just about compensation; it’s about culture. People need to feel supported and motivated to stay,” she said. Whether leading trauma teams, assisting in open-heart surgeries, or helping patients navigate overwhelming healthcare experiences, Fayoke’s compassion and clarity shine. ?? “Healthcare can be scary if patients don’t understand. I make it a point to explain things simply, so they feel in control of their care,” she said. Fayoke’s story is a powerful reminder of nursing’s core mission: to stand with patients during their most vulnerable moments and make an impact that lasts a lifetime. ?? How do you lead with heart? Share your thoughts below. ???? ?? Fayoke’s inspiring story: https://bit.ly/49cUsut #nurselife #ORnurse #Nursing #Nurses #Nurse #Periop #leadership #leadershipskills #ORLife

Q: Dear Masked Maven, I recently had a situation where a surgical delay was caused by a previous case. In the case, we unexpectedly had to convert from laparoscopic to open due to a surgical complication and significant bleeding. I ran what felt like a 5K gathering instruments, supplies, equipment and blood. When I went to preop to interview my next patient, I was worn out—emotionally and physically exhausted from the previous case. I passed by the surgeon sitting visibly upset in the nurse’s station and felt the disappointment and annoyance she had for me and the entire room staff. I wanted to address her with professionalism and kindness while also being transparent about the previous case. How should I handle this? Sincerely, Wanting to Address the Elephant in the Room A: Dear Wanting to Address the Elephant in the Room, You were in a tough spot and faced what will be inevitable in our line of work. When you cross paths with an upset surgeon, it's smart to have a well-prepared statement ready for service recovery. Open with, "I apologize for the delay; I understand how upsetting this has to be." Then, provide context to help them understand the situation: "I want to reassure you that we are fully prepared to provide the best possible care to your patient. Unfortunately, our last case encountered an unexpected complication." Honesty and transparency are the best policy in these situations. Surgical delays are an ongoing challenge for perioperative nurses. Finding the delicate balance between keeping surgeons on schedule and satisfied (when possible) and accommodating the needs of the anesthesia team is the goal. ? Experienced nurses, leave comments below on how you managed an OR Challenge. Let's work together to create a community of perioperative nurses who help each other succeed??. #AORNStitch #surgerylife #perioperative #Orlife #nurse #nurselife #nurses #nursing #ORNurse

Expo isn’t just an opportunity, it’s a necessity. Alyssa Albright is a Clinical Practice Coordinator at CHI Health's Midwest Division, where she oversees perioperative education across 4 states & 28 facilities. For her, Expo was a life changing experience: “I think after seeing everything that I could potentially miss out on by not going, I feel like I have to make it a priority and to really go so that I can bring those things back to my organization ... Every time I walk away from Expo, I have new friendships. I have new networking opportunities, and I have new things that I bring back to my organization to really make a difference.” The more perioperative nurses come together, the more they strengthen the profession, support each other, and open doors for new opportunities. AORN Expo 2025 is April 5 – 8, in Boston, MA. This is your chance to build a network that will help you grow personally and professionally. Register today and build career changing connections. If you've been to Expo before, tell us in the comments how networking at the event helped you, either personally or professionally. ???? #AORN2025 #Nurse #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife #ORNurse #ORLife #Periop #Perioperative #PeriopNurse

?? It takes a village to achieve safe surgery and patient care. ???? Nurses, educators, techs, surgical assistants, and leaders each play a vital role, bringing their skills, dedication, and passion to the OR every day. At our AORN Guideline Workshops this fall, this dedicated community gathered to connect ??, learn ??, and grow ??. Through hands-on sessions and lively discussions, attendees dove into the AORN Guidelines, explored practical solutions, and shared real-world experiences. ??? Tammy Hanks, one of our presenters, summed it up perfectly: “The Guideline Workshops have sparked robust discussions on real-world implementation of the guidelines. I’m so impressed with the work perioperative teams are doing to address these important patient safety topics and how that experience can be shared to make an even bigger impact on perioperative practice.” Attendees from across the country left inspired and equipped with new tools and insights to bring back to their teams: ? “I’m excited to share new things I learned with my workplace.” ? “The invaluable takeaways will positively impact my practice and my patients.” ? “I gained important updates that will improve my practice and support my OR team.” Thank you to everyone in our AORN village who joined us, including our sponsors Ansell, Medtronic, Solventum, & Stryker, in advancing this shared mission. Together, we’re building a safer, stronger network for perioperative care coast to coast and around the world. ????? If you attended a guideline workshop this year, tell us what resonated with you! What will you take back to your facility? What connections did you make with your colleagues? #ornurse #orlife #nurse #nurses #nursing #nurselife #periop #perioplife #perioperative #periopnurse

Time Out! ?? It has been 2?0 years since perioperative nurses across the country banded together to develop a strategy to prevent wrong-site surgery. ?? The Problem In 2002, the National Quality Forum (NQF) developed a list of medical errors that should not occur; wrong-site surgery was included in the list. Unfortunately, the NQF list didn’t provide solutions to prevent these errors from happening, meaning each health care organization developed their preferred methods to prevent errors. Some put a mark on the limb that needed surgery, some put a mark on the limb that didn’t need surgery. It was clear that someone or some group in perioperative practice needed to step up with a plan! ?? Developing the Time Out Tool Kit A team of AORN staff and volunteers partnered with Dr. Lucian Leape, a physician and a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, known for his work on patient safety issues. They developed the AORN Time Out Tool Kit, then set to work to get folks to follow the tool kit. AORN partnered with The Joint Commission, and collaborated with the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Anesthesiologist, the Association of Surgical Technologists and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. The partnership strategy worked, and each organization signed on to the time out tool kit process. ??The story of the Time Out Tool Kit is a tale about the power that nurses have to change the world. With all this, there’s always more work to do to prevent wrong-site surgery errors. Resources such as The Joint Commission’s Universal Protocol and the AORN Comprehensive Surgical Checklist provide solid guidance for health care professionals. New perioperative nurse? Educator and preceptor? No matter which (bouffant) hat you wear, the Stitch??offers insight into the periop nurse world. Share your Time Out stories in the comments. #AORNStitch #surgerylife #perioperative #ORlife #nurse #nurselife #nurses #nursing #ORnurse

??♀?? Periop nurses, we know the dedication and heart you pour into patient care each day. But caring for others so often means putting your own needs on the back burner. Over time, this can disrupt the essential mind-body connection that helps you stay resilient and grounded. ???? Taking even a few minutes for yourself each day isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline for your well-being. Here are five simple, restorative exercises to help you reconnect with yourself, calm your mind, and build strength for both the OR and beyond. ?? 1?? Check-In Moment: Start by asking, “Is now a good time to listen to my body?” ??? This simple question sets the foundation for self-awareness. 2?? Feel Your Feet: Wiggle those toes or lift your heels ??, grounding yourself in the present. Small movements like this can reestablish calm and connection. ?? 3?? Proactive Posture: Lengthen your spine, center your gaze ??, and lower your shoulders. This little posture shift can bring clarity and ease into your day. ?? 4?? Mindful Rest: Take a mindful pause or slow down with intention ??♂?. Whether it’s a quiet moment or a brief walk, mindful rest can make a world of difference. ?? 5?? Trauma-Sensitive Stretch: Release tension in your neck and shoulders with gentle, non-forced stretches. ?? Listen to your body—only do what feels right for you. ?? These exercises, shared by nurse and trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator Marie Nutter, BSN, RN, CNOR, are small but powerful steps toward a stronger mind-body connection. ??? Catch her session at AORN Expo 2025 in Boston, “Traumatic Stress in the Perioperative Nurse: Is Your Body Keeping Score?” ?? What exercises for the mind and body help you get through the day? Share your tips in the comments below. #Perioperative #Periop #ORNurse #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife #Nurse #ORLife #PatientSafety #NurseWellness

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Did you know that perioperative nurses are the secret superheroes of the OR? ??♀???♂? They're not just there to assist with surgeries. They're the ones who keep the whole show running smoothly and safely. From ensuring everything is sterile to advocating for patient safety, they're the unsung heroes of healthcare. Want to know why they're such amazing leaders? They're detail-oriented detectives: They spot potential problems before they even happen, like a Sherlock Holmes of the OR. ?? They're master communicators: They keep everyone on the same page, even when things get hectic. They're like the air traffic controllers of the surgical team, making sure everyone knows their role and is working together seamlessly. ?? They're problem-solving wizards: They can handle anything that comes their way, from equipment malfunctions to unexpected patient needs. They're like the Swiss Army knives of the healthcare team, always ready to adapt and find a solution. ??♂? They're business savvy leaders: With their deep understanding of healthcare operations and their ability to analyze data, they can make informed decisions that benefit both patients and the organization. They're like the CEOs of the OR, driving efficiency and improving outcomes. ?? So next time you're in the OR, give a shoutout to your perioperative nurse! They're the ones who make it all happen. They're the unsung heroes who keep patients safe and ensure successful surgical outcomes. Let's show them some love! ?? ??Give a shoutout to the periop nurses leaders and emerging leaders! Share this post as a reminder of their awesomeness. Tag the periop nurses who may need a reminder that they have the skills to keep advancing. ???? Watch the video or listen to the podcast: https://lnkd.in/gRKuhQ3E #Nurse #Nurses #Nursing #NurseLife #ORNurse #ORLife #Periop #Perioperative #PeriopNurse

It’s Perioperative Nurses Week, so let’s have some fun! ?? Have you spotted Nurse Nora yet? She’s hiding out, and if you find her, you could win some awesome prizes. ???? And speaking of discovery, have you ever gone into the lounge for “just a coffee” and somehow ended up planning your entire career upgrade? ??? Happens all the time, right? Lucky for AORN members, the Career Center has everything you need to turn those coffee-break plans into reality. Because choosing perioperative nursing is just the beginning, the Career Center opens pathways to help you excel in surgical patient care, grow your confidence, and reach your goals. With resources like a dedicated job board for OR roles, career coaching, and even a salary calculator, AORN is here for every step: - ?? Explore Your Options – Discover job listings around the OR that match your unique skills and passion. - ?? Build Your Expertise – From certifications to specialized education, access resources that help you stand out. - ?? Advance Your Journey – Dive into subspecialties, leadership roles, or perioperative business essentials to transform your career. Let’s celebrate Perioperative Nurses Week by dreaming big, planning bigger, and bringing those coffee-break ideas to life. ????? BTW, here’s a little Nurse Nora cheat: https://lnkd.in/dtetcCF ?????? #Nurse #Nursing #Nurses #ORNurse #NurseLife #ORLife #Periop #PeriopNurse #Perioperative

A perioperative nurse looking to grow found so much more than just a little guidance through AORN’s Mentor Program—she found a pathway to confidence, leadership, and a true sense of community. ? After joining the program, Samantha Breeding, MSN, RN, CNOR, was matched with Elizabeth Williams, a clinical nurse manager, who immediately connected with her drive and potential. “We matched the same day,” she said. “It’s been an amazing experience ever since.” ???? With Elizabeth’s mentorship, Samantha didn’t just prepare for new job roles—she transformed her whole approach to leadership. Elizabeth guided her through resume revamps, mock interviews, and strategies to confidently showcase her strengths. “Elizabeth sent me her interview form and even conducted a mock interview with me,” Samantha said. “She also helped me improve my resume and interview responses.” ???? For Elizabeth, mentoring was a natural step. “I’ve had great mentors who helped me, and I wanted to give back,” she said. “The AORN Mentor Program allowed me to support new nurses and those aspiring to leadership roles.” But the mentorship didn’t stop there. Through Elizabeth’s support, Samantha found herself exploring leadership in new ways. She went from feeling uncertain to becoming the president-elect for AORN’s Saint Louis chapter, a role she never would have pursued before. ?? And the impact has rippled beyond her own growth. Samantha’s passion for bringing national AORN Guidelines into her workplace has led to positive changes for her entire team, aligning their practices with industry standards. ???? “Before meeting my mentor, I’d never have thought to run for a chapter role in AORN,” Samantha explains. “Now, I’m constantly looking for ways to elevate my team and improve our practice.” ???? Elizabeth’s mentorship has even shaped how Samantha handles the tough conversations and challenges that come with leadership. “She told me I could reach out before any difficult meetings, and she’d help me think them through,” Samantha said. This support has truly defined her leadership journey, creating a deep friendship along the way. ???? Periop Nurses Week is all about recognizing the incredible members of our community who lift each other up, and this just one of a million shining examples. ?? Ready to find your own mentor—or to inspire others? Explore the AORN Mentor Program. #PerioperativeNursesWeek #Perioperative #Periop #ORNurse #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife #Nurse #ORLife #PeriopNurse