AORN

Lead the way with compassion. Let's make every operating room a safe and welcoming space for all patients, regardless of their gender identity. As perioperative nurses, we have a unique opportunity to create a more inclusive environment by: Respecting Names and Pronouns: Using a patient's correct name and pronouns is a simple but powerful way to show respect and affirmation. Addressing Concerns and Anxiety: TGD patients may experience heightened anxiety due to potential discrimination or misgendering. Create a safe space for them to express their concerns and offer emotional support throughout the perioperative process. Understanding Physiological Differences: While many physiological aspects of care are similar for all patients, it's essential to be aware of potential differences in TGD individuals. Creating a Welcoming Environment: A welcoming environment contributes to a positive patient experience. Provide ongoing education and training to staff, use inclusive language, and respect patient privacy and dignity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of transgender and gender-diverse patients. Let's commit to providing compassionate and inclusive care for all. Link to video and podcast: https://lnkd.in/gRKuhQ3E #perioperative #transgender #genderdiverse #inclusivity #healthcare #patientcare #nursing #nurse #nurselife #orlife #nurses #periop

Master gown and glove protocol 🤓 Sterile technique is essential in perioperative nursing to prevent surgical site infections by maintaining a contamination-free environment during procedures. All perioperative team members must adhere to these principles to ensure patient safety and promote a culture where safety concerns can be raised without fear of repercussions. Did you know that there are many important considerations when donning a gown? Such as: • Considering your role, the procedure type, potential blood loss, irrigation volume, patient contact, and procedure length. Hazardous meds? Factor those in too! • Wrapping It Right: Your gown should wrap around, covering your back like a superhero cape. • Ensuring hands and arms are dry before putting on the surgical gown • Only touching the inside of the gown when putting it on Gloves have a lot of considerations, too. Clinicians should be sure to: • Clean Their Hands First: Don’t skip surgical hand antisepsis! • Practice Double Glove Power: Two pairs of sterile gloves, please! And that perforation indicator? Essential. • Cover the surgical gown cuffs with the gloves This Guideline Quick View highlights important elements on sterile technique, such as preparing the sterile field, draping, opening and handling sterile items, and more. Check it out in the August issue of the AORN Journal. Remember, surgical gowns are our armor! Level up! ⚡ https://lnkd.in/gBZB4gfD #SterileTechnique #Nurses #safesurgery #ORNurse #AORNJournal #Nursing

Over 22% of Americans speak a foreign language at home. The number of Spanish speakers, especially, is rising too! Many nurses in the US are caring for patients whose primary language isn’t English. In addition to the high percentage of non-English speaking patients, there are also 37.5 million adults in the United States who have reported hearing loss, and 25.5 million adults who have reported some degree of vision loss—meaning that there are a variety of different communication needs that patients may have. Enter culturally fluent care. This is communication that has cultural awareness and builds trust with the patient and their family. It creates inclusive environments and can help decrease patient anxiety. Importance of Effective Communication • Effective communication involves verbal and nonverbal cues. • Body language significantly impacts patient interactions. • Creating a welcoming environment is crucial for patient trust. • Addressing the patient's support system builds rapport. Challenges in Communicating with Patients with Limited English Proficiency • Language barriers can create feelings of shame and anxiety in patients. • Patients may decline interpreter services to avoid burdening others. • Healthcare providers may feel self-conscious about language skills. • Focus on connection over perfection when communicating in a second language. “Culturally fluent care is this idea of building trust with the patient by incorporating all of their cultural preferences,” said Stella Yau, MSN, RN, CNOR. “It is making sure that you also have an environment that is welcoming for people who speak other languages or have other communication needs,” she said. In this Periop Briefing article in the August issue of the AORN Journal, Yau explains how perioperative nurses can practice creating that welcoming environment through building stronger communication skills.📚👉 https://lnkd.in/g2Kq6nTp What strategies do you use to better connect with your patients? #AORNJournal #ORNurse #Nursing #Nurse #Nurses #NurseLife #ORLife #Periop

Finding it hard to smoothly manage a multigenerational team? You’re not alone, and at the next complimentary Leader Exchange we have you covered with fresh strategies to try. On Aug. 28 we’ll decipher the distinct values, expectations, and working styles each generation brings to the operating room. You’ll see how understanding the “why” behind each generational identity can make you a dynamic and effective leader. 👀 Ready for a sneak peek? Here’s 5 Key Considerations for Managing a Multigenerational Workforce: Communication Preferences 💬 Different generations prefer varied communication methods. Be open to learning and meeting others’ preferences while staying authentic to yourself. Technology Adoption 📱 Comfort levels with technology vary. Provide tailored training and support for new technologies in the perioperative setting. Work-Life Balance Expectations ⚖️ Generations have different priorities regarding work-life balance. Consider how shifts in perspective might benefit everyone. Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer 👩🏫👨🏫 Facilitate cross-generational reverse mentoring programs to bridge knowledge gaps and foster mutual learning. Conflict Resolution and Team Dynamics 🤝 Encourage open dialogue and shut down generational stereotypes to promote a cohesive, collaborative team culture. ✨ Special guest and team culture expert Lisa X. Walden will share live insights on becoming a leader who inspires across all generations. You won’t want to miss it! ➡️No cost to register! Save your seat for Aug. 28: https://bit.ly/3WY58Hk #ORNurse #Nurse #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife #ORLife #Periop #Perioperative #PeriopNurse

❤️

💖"I'm going to hold your hand when you go to sleep, and when you wake up, I'll be there for you." Jacqueline Gardocki, MBA, MSN, RN, BSN, CNOR 💖 About a year ago, Jacqueline was the circulating nurse shares for an 80-year-old patient who was feeling alone and scared before surgery. She noticed the patient's anxiety and took the time to sit with her, offering comfort and companionship during a difficult time.🌷 As they talked, the patient opened up about her struggles since losing her husband and facing her health challenges on her own. Jacqueline's response was simple yet deeply reassuring: “I’m here for you. I’ll be with you throughout the surgery, holding your hand as you go to sleep, and being there when you wake up. And when you go home, I’ll call to check on you.” 🌟 This moment of connection didn’t just ease her patient’s fears—it marked the beginning of a lasting friendship. Jacqueline continues to check in on her patient regularly, a testament to the deep bond they formed in that operating room. And to her, this is what nursing is all about — going beyond the clinical to truly connect with those in your care. It’s about seeing the person behind the patient, understanding their fears, and offering not just medical care but genuine compassion. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the immense impact that a caring nurse can have on a patient’s life, and it underscores the unique bond shared within the nursing community. 🤗💖 📺 Stay Tuned: Our Periop Portraits series continues throughout the year, celebrating the amazing individuals in our perioperative community as we mark our 75th anniversary! Have a story to share? Submit it here: https://bit.ly/441hYHZ #Nurselife #ORnurse #Nursing #Nurses #Nurse #Periop #PeriopPortraits

Why We Need More Women Surgeons Only 5.9% of orthopedic surgeons are women. Recent research has revealed a compelling truth: patients often experience better outcomes when treated by female surgeons. Studies have shown lower complication rates, shorter recovery times, and even reduced healthcare costs associated with surgeries performed by women. These findings are groundbreaking, but they shouldn't overshadow the larger picture. Diversity in healthcare, particularly in surgery, is crucial for providing optimal patient care. Women bring unique perspectives, problem-solving skills, and communication styles to the operating room. A more inclusive surgical workforce leads to better decision-making, improved patient experiences, and ultimately, better health outcomes for everyone. It's disheartening to see such a disparity in representation. Only 5.9% of orthopedic surgeons are women. This statistic is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by female surgeons and the systemic barriers that prevent more women from entering the field. We need to break down these barriers and create a more equitable surgical environment. Supporting women in surgery isn't just about fairness; it's about improving patient care. By encouraging more women to pursue surgical careers, we're investing in a healthier future for all. Let's celebrate the achievements of female surgeons and advocate for a surgical workforce that reflects the diversity of our patients. The compelling case is in Outpatient Surgery Magazine: https://lnkd.in/gftiJ8mn #womeninsurgery #healthcare #diversityandinclusion #patientsafety

🚀 AORN Guidelines Workshops are BACK! Get hands-on experience with the AORN Guidelines, engage with experts, and connect with colleagues while enhancing your clinical skills. 📊 Workshops by the Numbers 📊 8️⃣ Periop Experts AORN Guidelines Authors present clinical updates at each event. 6️⃣ Cities 📍Los Angeles 📍Denver 📍Boston 📍Chicago 📍Houston 📍Fort Lauderdale 4️⃣ Key Topics 🗝️ Retained Surgical Items (RSI) 🗝️ Hypothermia Prevention 🗝️ Surgical Smoke Safety 🗝️ Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) 1️⃣ Day of Essential Hands-On Learning (4.0 CH) 👉 Register now to secure your spot: www.aorn.org/workshops Special thank you to our generous sponsors: Medtronic, Solventum, and Stryker Surgical Technologies #ORNurse #Nursing #Nurses #Nurse #Periop #Perioperative #PeriopNurse

🛑 AORN Safety Summit: Ensuring Psychological Safety, Equity, and Inclusion for All 🛑 📅 Join us on October 2nd at 11:00 AM MT for a transformative virtual event addressing psychological safety, equity, and inclusion in perioperative nursing. ✨ Why Attend? Explore Cultural Humility Discover Allyship Stay Informed on Research Addressing Racism Gain Practical Tools for Inclusivity Let's work together to build a future where every nurse feels respected and empowered to deliver exceptional care. 👉 Register now and secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/gG39HrgG Don’t miss out on this vital conversation! #AORN #NursingSafety #PsychologicalSafety #EquityInNursing #HealthcareInnovation

🚨 Last call for public comments! The deadline is August 30. 🗓️ This important guideline offers essential guidance on perioperative patient temperature management, covering everything from assessment and monitoring to preventing and treating inadvertent hypothermia. It also includes strategies for managing malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, along with education, training, and quality assurance tips. Your feedback matters! Review and comment here: https://bit.ly/3Mdz2Tg #PerioperativeCare #PatientSafety #HypothermiaPrevention