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?? HOTEL GIVEAWAY: Win a FREE Hotel Stay at Expo 2025! ?? Registration is now open for AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo coming to historic Boston, MA April 5 - 8 (https://bit.ly/4bpY8JG). To help celebrate we’re offering a special reward. Register in the month of October, and you’ll be entered to WIN a FREE, 4-night hotel stay. Attend the world’s largest perioperative event without worrying about hotel costs—it’s on us! ?? ??How to Enter: 1. Register for AORN Expo 2025 before November 1st. 2. That's it! You’re automatically entered to win! 3. Winner will be announced via email on November 5th. Don’t miss this chance to stay in comfort and convenience while leveling up your career. Ready to save? Register now! ??♀??? https://aorn.us/exporeg #NursingConference #PerioperativeNurses #WinYourStay #TogetherWeRise #CareerGrowth

Why I Became (and Stayed) a Perioperative Nurse Tracey Kunkel took a long and winding road to becoming a perioperative nurse. She worked in an OR as an orderly during a summer semester of college, then pursued a career in the Navy. “My first experience in the medical field always stuck with me,” she says. “So years later, I decided to attend nursing school to become a Navy nurse.” Kunkel tells her story, saying, “since I was in the military, the Navy decided where I would work after I graduated. For the first 3 years, I did a combination of nursery, the NICU, and labor and delivery (L&D). One night shift, when I oversaw triage for L&D, I was running from patient to patient. A perioperative nurse was there to take a patient back for a C-section and asked, “Have you thought about working in the OR? Only one patient at a time….” This was a lightbulb moment for me, and I agreed to try the OR. The perioperative nurse made sure to transfer me to the ambulatory procedures unit to convince me. One surgeon even had me scrub in to observe and hold a sponge. Their efforts succeeded, and I applied to the Navy’s OR school and became a perioperative nurse.” Why I Stayed Kunkel says that, although she worked in the OR, she has been pulled to help in other areas, including working in a surgeon’s office and as a circulating nurse. “I also did postop care and teaching back in the office. I could always see the relief in the patients’ eyes when I showed up in preop to take them to the OR. They recognized me and trusted me. Afterward, they were always grateful that I was there for them. This is just one of the ways that my why has been reinforced. It reminded me how much patients and their families need us to comfort them and to act as their advocates.” She says, “I love the unique teamwork in the OR. I am passionate about being able to work with team members and grow with them. As a perioperative nurse, I continue to learn from my colleagues. Although I have been a perioperative nurse for many years, I continue to learn new procedures and different methods of doing things. I am in awe of the new surgical procedures and technologies that are continuously being developed and that enhance both the life expectancy and quality of life for our patients. I love being able to give my full attention to one patient. As a perioperative nurse, I advocate for patients and their families, particularly when patients are at their most vulnerable. Additionally, I have been able to assist my patients and their families and provide them with emotional support. These are just some of my whys.” Whether you have arrived in the OR fresh out of school or after a long and winding healthcare career path, answering the “why” of your career choice can provide clarity and keep you focused on your goals. Share your own ‘reasons why’ in the comments. #AORNStitch #surgerylife #perioperative #ORlife #nurse #nurselife #nurses #nursing #ORnurse

"I was proud knowing I was able to speak for the best interests of this patient and her quality-of-life post-breast cancer." - Laura Ball, BSN, RN, CNOR ?? I vividly remember a situation where I played a key role in helping a plastic surgeon and the patient's family make an important decision in the middle of surgery. The patient was undergoing a FLAP procedure for breast cancer reconstruction. She was a passionate CrossFit athlete ???♀?, and she and her husband owned their own gym. I knew the patient’s name because she was a local business owner, and my brother and sister-in-law were members of their gym. This connection helped me understand just how important physical fitness was to her. During the surgery, the surgeon discovered there wasn’t sufficient blood flow to one side of the donor tissue, and he was weighing the options of either using more abdominal muscle or placing an implant. I realized that if we didn’t use an implant, the patient would lose all of her abdominal muscles or wouldn’t have reconstruction on one breast. Given her active lifestyle and role in the community, I knew preserving her abdominal muscles would be critical to her long-term well-being. ?? The surgeon and I had a very good relationship, which aligned with my "live, work, serve" philosophy—he lived just half a mile from me ??, and I explained her high level of activity to him. That’s when he decided to scrub out and present the family with the options. I wasn’t part of the conversation, but he explained to the patient’s husband that they could either lose the remaining muscle in her abdomen or use an implant. In the end, they chose the implant, which ensured she could maintain her strength ?? and continue her active lifestyle. I felt proud knowing that I had advocated for what was in the best interests of the patient, particularly in a way that would support her quality of life after breast cancer. Knowing that background about a patient is so beneficial in moments like this—it’s a key part of what it means to advocate for our patients on a deeper level."Live, work, serve" is a motto that’s been close to my heart, especially since returning to my community six years ago. I’ve always lived in the same community where I’ve worked, and I strive to serve that community in everything I do. But being able to live, work, and serve in the place where I was born and raised is an incredible honor. ??? As far as I know, the patient is doing well today. She and her husband still own a business in the community, and they continue to embody that "live, work, serve" spirit by giving back in times of need—whether through their time, money, or services. ?? Our Periop Portraits series will continue throughout 2024, shining a spotlight on the incredible folks within our perioperative community as we celebrate our 75th anniversary! Have a story to tell? We want to hear from you. Share it at: https://bit.ly/441hYHZ #Nurselife #ORnurse #Nursing #Nurses #PeriopPortraits #Nurse

??Periop nurses, we’ve navigated Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials—but Generation Z brings something different to the table. Here’s what you need to know to lead this tech-savvy, purpose-driven generation, also known as the “Swipe Society.” ?? Tech is their second language: Gen Z has always had the world at their fingertips. They expect quick feedback and thrive on clear communication. For them, silence isn’t golden—it’s a red flag. Be ready to provide context and explain the “why” behind your decisions. ?? Face-to-face still matters: While they’re digital natives, Gen Z values in-person interactions. To build strong relationships, step out of your office and engage them directly. An open-door policy? They’d rather you meet them on the floor. ?? Purpose over paycheck: They’re in healthcare for stability, but they’re also seeking meaningful work. Gen Z looks for workplaces that offer flexibility, mentorship, and mental health support. They want to grow their skills and have a positive work environment. ?? Leaders, it’s time to shift: To build cohesive, cross-generational teams, embrace change. Each generation has unique needs, and the best leaders adjust their style to meet them. Cookie-cutter leadership is out—adaptability is in. ?? Want more insights on leading Gen Z? Read the full breakdown in the AORN Periop Leader blog, available exclusively to members! #GenZ #PeriopNurse #MultiGenerationalTeams #SwipeSociety #AORN #LeadershipDevelopment #perioperative #nurse #nurselife #nurses #nursing #ORnurse #NurseLeadership #HealthcareLeadership #NurseLeaders

That's ??, but in the keep the patient safe kind of way. Oxygen-enriched environments – When oxygen levels are high, fire risk skyrockets! ?? Be sure to manage oxygen delivery carefully and keep it away from ignition sources (like those pesky surgical lasers and electrosurgical units!). Pro tip: Use the lowest oxygen concentration necessary to keep the pulse ox monitor from going off. Ignition sources – From lasers to fiberoptic light cables, there are lots of hot tools in the OR ????. Make sure you’re mindful of how and where these tools are used. Always communicate with your team when activating devices and double-check settings. Fuel sources – Drapes, sponges, alcohol-based preps . . . ORs are filled with fuel just waiting for a spark! ?? Make sure alcohol-based solutions are fully dried before ignition sources are used and keep flammable items far from ignition sources. A little distance goes a long way in keeping your patients safe! Interventions that save the day: ?? Always do a fire risk assessment before starting a procedure (fuel, ignition source, and oxygen). ?? Have a fire safety and evacuation plan in place with your team—and PRACTICE it! Drills can be fun; and they can ultimately save lives. ??? Communication is ???! Make sure everyone in the OR knows what’s going on, especially when you’re using devices that could pose a fire risk. Share your OR fire story ????It's awesome learning from each other?? #PatientSafety #ORFirePrevention #PeriopNurses #FireTriangle #SurgicalSafety #ORNurse #Nurse #Nurses #Nursing #NurseLife #ORLife

?? IV fluid resource center ?? AORN has created an emergency resource center with essential information and tools to support you during the IV fluid shortage. The emergency resource center features: ? Expert guidance on IV conservation strategies, alternative suppliers, and operational planning ? Case studies and best practices from experienced periop nurses ? Links to relevant resources from leading healthcare organizations, such as ASHP and AHVAP ? Information on upcoming webinars and educational opportunities Equip yourself with the knowledge and resources you need to navigate this crisis effectively. Visit our resource center: https://lnkd.in/gMrK3Mxb If you receive helpful news from other sources during the shortage, use this thread to update your periop community around the US. #Periop #IVshortage #EmergencySupport #AORN #Nurses #Nurse #Nursing #ORNurse #NurseLife

The curious case of Patient E ?? ?? A recent training exercise at Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan took on an extraterrestrial twist. Staff members were tasked with solving the "Mysterious Case of Patient E," an inflatable green alien who had experienced a malignant hyperthermia (MH) crisis in a simulated operating room. The scenario, complete with a dimly lit room, eerie music, and scattered medical supplies, created a tense and immersive environment. Participants were divided into teams and tasked with identifying the warning signs of MH, following the emergency protocol, and ultimately saving Patient E's life. The teams quickly realized that Patient E was exhibiting classic signs of MH, including a rapid rise in temperature, increased ETCO2, and muscle rigidity. They immediately initiated the emergency protocol, which involved: ? Discontinuing the triggering anesthetic agent: The team identified sevoflurane as the likely trigger and immediately discontinued its administration. ? Administering dantrolene: The staff worked together to prepare and administer dantrolene, a muscle relaxant that can help reverse the hypermetabolic state associated with MH. ? Cooling measures: The team implemented cooling measures, such as applying ice packs to the patient's body and using a cooling blanket, to help reduce the patient's temperature. ? Monitoring vital signs: The team closely monitored Patient E's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, to assess their response to treatment. Despite their best efforts, Patient E's condition continued to deteriorate, and they ultimately succumbed to the effects of MH. While the outcome was tragic, the training exercise provided valuable insights into managing MH crises and the importance of a coordinated team approach. The staff members learned firsthand the importance of early recognition of MH symptoms, rapid implementation of the emergency protocol, and effective communication among team members. They also gained experience in administering dantrolene and managing the patient's temperature during a crisis. Overall, the training exercise was a valuable experience that has equipped the staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to MH crises in the future. Outpatient Surgery Magazine knows the truth is out there: https://lnkd.in/gAWiT4Q4 #ASC #TheTruthIsOutThere #ambulatorysurgerycenters #Nurse #Nurses #Nursing #ASCNurse

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