Periop Talk

Sterilization is the cornerstone of infection prevention in the perioperative setting. AORN's newly updated guideline on sterilization provides crucial guidance for perioperative teams, addressing emerging challenges and reinforcing best practices.

What's New in the Sterilization Guideline for Perioperative Teams?

AORN's sterilization guideline undergoes regular review to incorporate the latest evidence and address evo...

Maintaining a hygienically clean environment is paramount—inside and outside of the operating room. Proper infection control protocols extend beyond the OR—to the hallways, changing rooms, and even our communities. That's why AORN’s updated guidelines for surgical attire are so crucial. These standards address the vital role attire plays in minimizing the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) for patients, while also protect...

Maintaining normothermia is crucial for patient safety during surgical procedures. The AORN updated guideline on patient temperature management, features an expanded scope and provides perioperative teams with the tools they need to implement consistent, high-quality care.

The most significant change to the guideline is its name and scope. Previously focused solely on hypothermia prevention, the updated guideline now addresses patie...

What is the ERAS protocol?
ERAS is a comprehensive approach involving a multidisciplinary team that implements best practices throughout the perioperative journey, from pre-admission through post-discharge. AORN emphasizes that ERAS aims to standardize care, reduce variability, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. While AORN's focus is on perioperative nursing, the organization recognizes ERAS as a collaborative, inter...

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving to an ASC

#1 Can you handle fast and efficient turnovers?
Quick room turnovers and efficient instrument reprocessing ensure smooth patient flow and high standards of care in an ASC. Key to this is effective teamwork, a strong understanding of OR and PACU standards of care, and ethical practices to uphold quality and safety protocols.

#2 Do you have expertise in a specialty care area?
Ex...

In this episode of Periop Talk, host Nakeisha Tolliver, AORN's 2024 President, sits down with AORN's longest-serving CEO, Linda Groah, to discuss the future of perioperative nursing. They delve into the impact of emerging technologies like AI and telehealth, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the evolving role of perioperative nurses.

Linda Groah also shares insights on the future of nursing education and t...

In May of 2024 Linda Groah, AORN's longest-serving CEO/Executive Director, announced her plans to retire at the end of the year. In this episode, we celebrate Linda's tenure and look back on the plast 20 years of transformative change in perioperative nursing. 

We delve into the most profound changes in the field, exploring how the role of the perioperative nurse has evolved over the past two decades. The discuss...

How to Collaborate with an ASC Governing Body

In this episode of Periop Talk, we discuss strategies for effectively working with ASC governing bodies.

Join us as we delve into the role of governing bodies in ASCs, the importance of clear communication, and the role of data-driven decision making. Our guest expert, Dr. Tamala Norris-McJunkins, shares valuable insights on:

• Understanding the Governing Body: Learn about the compositio...

How Periop Nurses Create a Culture of Safety (and the Business Case for Why They Make Great Leaders in a Perioperative Setting)

Perioperative nurses play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring patient safety and optimizing surgical outcomes. Their dedication to patient advocacy, attention to detail, and ability to foster a culture of collaboration make them invaluable leaders in the operating room (OR).

Nurses as Patient Advocates

At th...

In this episode of Periop Talk, we dive deep into the world of Gen Z and their impact on the perioperative nursing workforce. Join host Jake Runion, Sr. Manager of AORN's Center for Perioperative Leadership, and guest expert Lisa Walden, Co-Founder of Good Company Consulting, as they explore the unique characteristics, values, and expectations of this emerging generation.

Learn how to:

• Understand Gen Z: Discover the defining...

The Future of Nursing Report provides a comprehensive blueprint for transforming nursing practice and improving patient care. It highlights critical issues facing the nursing profession and offers evidence-based recommendations to address these challenges. The report has had a significant impact on shaping nursing policy and practice, and it continues to serve as a valuable resource for nurses, healthcare organizations, and policym...

Caring for kids in the operating room can be difficult. They're often scared and anxious, and their caregivers are too. But knowing a kid's age and using the right words can make a big difference.

This episode of Periop Talk explores how kids think and feel at different ages. It also gives tips on how to talk to them and their caregivers. By tailoring the communication style, periop nurses can help kids feel safe and comfo...

How perioperative nurses can create an inclusive environment for transgender and gender diverse patients

Providing compassionate and respectful care to all patients is a cornerstone of perioperative nursing. Creating an inclusive environment for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) patients is essential for delivering optimal care. 

Respecting Patient Identity: Names and Pronouns

• Consistent Usage: Ensure that the patient's pr...

The 2023 update to the AORN Minimally Invasive Surgery Guideline introduced significant changes to enhance patient safety and improve perioperative care. Here are some of the key highlights:   

Preoperative Assessment

Enhanced patient assessment: The guideline emphasizes a more comprehensive preoperative assessment to identify potential risks and complications associated with minimally invasive surgery (MIS).   

New updates to the VTE guidelines empower nurses to take a more proactive role in preventing Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) or blood clots. This includes the ability to initiate preventive measures, such as applying compression stockings or using inflatable leg sleeves, at an earlier stage when a patient is suspected to be at high risk.

The revised guidelines emphasize the crucial role of thorough risk assessment. Nurses should not on...

Burnout in Perioperative Nursing: Key Takeaways from the Video

This conversation between Jake Runion, sr. manager of AORN’s Center for Perioperative Leadership and Tammy Hanks, Perioperative Practice Specialist at AORN, highlights the critical issue of burnout among perioperative nurses. Here are the key takeaways:

High Burnout Rates: The vacancy rate for OR nurses is at 16%, with a significant portion leaving within their first year...

Safe patient handling is crucial for perioperative nurses as it protects both themselves and their patients. According to the CDC, manual patient handling is the leading cause of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among healthcare workers. The updated AORN Guideline for Safe Patient Handling and Movement offers evidence-based practices to minimize these risks by promoting the use of ergonomic tools and proper lifting te...

Perioperative nurses are known for their exceptional advocacy strength, often protecting patients from harm in the most vulnerable situations. But when it comes to advocacy, 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. So, it is important to think about how you would negotiate a salary increase or p...

Clear Communication for Better Care: A Guide to Team Dynamics in the OR

For perioperative nurses, effective teamwork is crucial for patient safety. 

Building a Culture of Safety

A strong foundation for good communication is a culture of safety. This means every team member feels empowered to speak up about concerns and errors without fear of blame. Here's how to foster this culture:

• Open Communication: Encourage honest and res...