AORN Journal RSS feed: Current Issue. AORN Journal provides registered professional nurses in the OR and related services with information based on scientific fact and principle. Articles cover the nurse's role before, during and after surgery and include patient teaching and preparation, use and care of surgical instruments and supplies, asepsis, sterilization, anesthesia, and related topics. Other areas include education for professional nurses, OR administration and communications. More than 40,000 perioperative nurses, managers and directors read AORN Journal for vital information about their profession. What's more, more than 84% of those readers make product recommendations and influence OR buying decisions...and they learn about OR products and services in the AORN Journal . The AORN Journal is read by more than 99% of the people who receive it, ensuring your advertising will be seen. http://www.aornjournal.org/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. AORN Journal0001-2092891January 2009 © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008454/abstract?rss=yes Recommended practices for non-hospital surgical sitesTable of Contents10.1016/S0001-2092(08)00845-4AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-633http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008466/abstract?rss=yesEditor-in-Chief Patricia C. Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNFA, FAANEditorial Board10.1016/S0001-2092(08)00846-6AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-666http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008478/abstract?rss=yesOrders, claims, online, change of address: Elsevier Periodicals Customer Service, 11830 Westline Industrial Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146; telephone: (800) 654-2452 (United States and Canada), (314) 453-7041 (outside United States and Canada); fax: (800) 225-4030 (United States and Canada), (314) 523-5170 (outside United States and Canada); e-mail: JournalsCustomerService-usa@elsevier.com (for print support); JournalsOnlineSupport-usa@elsevier.com (for online support). Address changes must be submitted four weeks in advance.Information for Readers10.1016/S0001-2092(08)00847-8AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-688http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008223/abstract?rss=yes The beginning of a new year is a time when many of us commit to personal change initiatives; however, my track record for sticking to my New Year's resolutions is mediocre at best. Perhaps my goals are too extreme to achieve overnight, simply by saying I will make them happen. I believe the best course to follow is one that evolves over time and builds on lessons learned throughout life. Discovering I had power over my personal practice was not something I achieved by making a New Year's resolution. It was a journey.Leveraging the Purchasing Power of the Staff NurseSusan K. Banschbach10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.001AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6President's Message1112http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008235/abstract?rss=yes AORN serves its members in many ways, but one of most valuable benefits of membership is the AORN Journal. Inaugurated in 1963, the Journal's original mission was to educate nurses and to aid in the development of standards. The current Journal continues to fulfill its original mission in addition to expanding opportunities for sharing information, knowledge, and opinions and promoting the professional development of perioperative nurses.The AORN Journal: The Official Voice of Perioperative NursingPatricia C. Seifert10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.002AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Editorial1518http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008247/abstract?rss=yes Nursing is a field that has changed a great deal in the last 50 years. Specialized technicians have taken over a large part of nursing care. Rising patient acuity has demanded more complex skill sets. The nursing shortage has necessitated the most efficient usage of staff and resources. Three of the most important steps in meeting future challenges are effective utilization of technology, increased tolerance of diversity, and improved hiring and retention of talented nurses.The Future of NursingPaulette Suhr10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.003AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Guest Editorial2123http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008259/abstract?rss=yes2009 Congress Planning Calendar: SATURDAY, MARCH 14, THROUGH THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 200910.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.004AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress2627http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008260/abstract?rss=yesTo save money on Congress registration, register early—either singly or with a group of friends or colleagues—via telephone, fax, or mail, or online at http://www.aorn.org/Congress. If you choose to attend the intensive workshops on Saturday, March 14, or Sunday, March 15, indicate which session(s) you plan to attend at the time of registration.Congress Registration: SATURDAY, MARCH 14, TO THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 200910.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.005AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress2830http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008272/abstract?rss=yesThe 56th annual AORN Congress will be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center West Building in Chicago, Illinois. This article contains important information for all attendees.Information and Services for Congress 2009: SATURDAY, MARCH 14, TO THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 200910.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.006AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress3134http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008284/abstract?rss=yesAORN Congress education sessions provide perioperative nurses with current, essential information about practice and patient care. This is the preliminary schedule of education sessions for the 2009 Congress. Sessions may be added as new developments and critical issues are identified. Hot Topic sessions will be listed on AORN's web site in February and included in the February Chapter Presidents' mailing. For the most up-to-date schedule with detailed session overviews, visit http://www.aorn.org/Congress then select “Daily Education Schedule” on the left side of the page to review sessions by the day and time. AORN reserves the right to substitute equally qualified presenters in cases of emergency and to cancel or substitute sessions as necessary.2009 Congress Education Sessions: SATURDAY, MARCH 14, TO THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 200910.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.007AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress3559http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008296/abstract?rss=yesThe AORN Board of Directors governs the affairs of the Association. Officers and Board members are elected by the House of Delegates at Congress. The President and President-elect each serve one-year terms; all other members of the Board of Directors serve two-year terms. Board terms alternate so the Board never is composed entirely of new members.AORN Board of Directors10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.008AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress6063http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008302/abstract?rss=yesNominating Committee members work together to prepare and present the annual slate of candidates for national offices (see page 67 in this Journal). They also act as tellers for the election at Congress. The committee is composed of five members who are elected by the House of Delegates at Congress. The immediate AORN past President serves as the advisor for this committee. The chair is elected by members of the committee.2008-2009 AORN Nominating Committee10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.009AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress6465http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008314/abstract?rss=yesThe names of the candidates for the 2009 national election appear on the ballot to the right. All AORN members may use this sample ballot to communicate their preferences to their delegates. Only authorized delegates may vote in the election at Congress. Additional nominations can be made from the floor during the first session of the House of Delegates. Before nomination, however, the eligibility of additional nominees must be verified and consent-to-serve forms must be completed.2009 Slate of Candidates10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.010AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress6794http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008326/abstract?rss=yesThe AORN House of Delegates will meet twice during the 2009 Congress in Chicago, Illinois—Tuesday, March 17, and Thursday, March 19. Both House sessions will follow strict parliamentary procedure. Two Forums also are scheduled—one on Sunday, March 15, and one on Wednesday, March 18. If you have items to be included on the House of Delegates or Forum agenda, mail the information to AORN President Susan K. Banschbach, RN, MSN, CNOR, at 2170 S Parker Rd, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80231-5711, or stop by the Headquarters/Board Office at McCormick Place West Building in Chicago. Items to be voted on in the House first must be taken to a Forum for discussion.AORN Congress Delegate Duties and Parliamentary Procedure: SATURDAY, MARCH 14, TO THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 200910.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.011AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress9799http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008338/abstract?rss=yesFirst Forum: Sunday, March 15, 3 to 4:30 PM Proposed Bylaws Amendment Related to the Purposes of the Association2009 Forum and House of Delegates Agenda; Proposed Bylaws Changes and Position Statements: SUNDAY, MARCH 15, TO THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 200910.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.012AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress101118http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008351/abstract?rss=yesThe AORN Congress is the premier nursing event for anyone who wishes to excel as a perioperative RN. In addition to the many networking and educational opportunities available at Congress, you will be able to attend exciting events and visit sites that can be found only in and around Chicago, Illinois.56th AORN Congress Events: SATURDAY, MARCH 14, TO THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 200910.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.014AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress121126http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008363/abstract?rss=yesThe following is a list of vendors who will exhibit at the 56th AORN Congress in Chicago, Illinois. This list is comprehensive as of November 24, 2008. A more detailed listing of exhibiting companies and product descriptions will be published in the February 2009 AORN Journal.Congress Exhibitors: TUESDAY, MARCH 17, TO THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 200910.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.015AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Congress129139http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208006467/abstract?rss=yesABSTRACT: Patients have the right to make decisions regarding their medical care, including the right to refuse treatment or to issue do-not-resuscitate orders as part of an advance directive. Health care providers must comply with the patient's wishes regarding care. Automatic suspension or continuation of a do-not-resuscitate order for a patient undergoing surgery cannot be justified. Surgical team members should consult with the patient and, if necessary, with an ethics expert or committee to determine whether the do-not-resuscitate order is to be maintained or completely or partially suspended during anesthesia and surgery. All surgical departments should have a written policy and procedure concerning the treatment of patients with do-not-resuscitate orders. AORN J 89 (January 2009) 140–146. © AORN, Inc, 2009. Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders in Surgery: Decreasing the ConfusionKay A. Ball10.1016/j.aorn.2008.10.001AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Clinical140150http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208004663/abstract?rss=yesABSTRACT: The OR has long existed as a highly specialized and distinct entity within a hospital. Recent technological advances have allowed the OR to be seamlessly integrated with the larger hospital and, in a virtual sense, with the world. The modern, integrated OR can enhance patients' surgical experiences, improve surgeons' control of OR technology, and increase OR efficiency by reducing surgical times. The Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California, is one of the first military health care systems in the southwest to build a fully integrated, voice-controlled OR. The renovation project transformed 12 ORs into fully integrated surgical suites. AORN J 89 (January 2009) 151–159. © AORN, Inc, 2009. Construction of an Integrated Surgical Suite in a Military Treatment FacilityAnibal L. Acevedo10.1016/j.aorn.2008.07.004AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Management151159http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208004651/abstract?rss=yesABSTRACT: The practice of body piercing is becoming more common worldwide. Surgical patients with body piercings require special preoperative assessment to ensure safety during and after surgery. In a study of Brazilian surgical patients at one facility, only 0.6% had body piercings. An RN or nursing student instructed each patient on piercing removal, and piercings were removed by the patients before surgery. AORN J 89 (January 2009) 161–165. © AORN, Inc, 2009. Body Piercing Among Brazilian Surgical PatientsSolange Diccini, Aline Malheiro da Costa Nogueira, Valmi D. Sousa10.1016/j.aorn.2008.07.003AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Research161165http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208000045/abstract?rss=yesABSTRACT: Technological advances have changed how traditional surgical procedures are performed. New knowledge and surgical skills are required to effectively monitor the patient and manage fluids administered perioperatively. Today, selective fluids are used in a variety of surgical specialties. Complications of fluid therapy can occur that are intrinsic to each procedure within a specialty. This article provides perioperative nurses with the information needed to evaluate different fluid media and their applications and identify patient care considerations. Possible complications and important postanesthesia care concerns also are discussed. AORN J 89 (January 2009) 167–178. © AORN, Inc, 2009. Perioperative Fluid ManagementEileen Young, Alisa Sherrard-Jacob, Karen Knapp, Timothy Shawn Craddock, Candace Kemper, Ralph Falvo, Sheila Hunter, Claire Everson, Sharon Giarrizzo-Wilson10.1016/j.aorn.2008.01.002AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Clinical167182http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208004614/abstract?rss=yesABSTRACT: Recent evidence suggests that specialty nurse education and certification may improve the quality of patient care. Specialty nurse certification also may improve nurses' job satisfaction and sense of empowerment, as well as positively affect collaboration with other health care team members. Despite the evidence that there are intrinsic rewards for specialty certification, the lack of extrinsic value to nurses makes it unlikely that greater numbers of nurses will be attracted to certification unless health care administrators increase opportunities for recognition and greater compensation. AORN J 89 (January 2009) 183–192. © AORN, Inc, 2009. Perceived Effects of Specialty Nurse Certification: A Review of the LiteratureCharlene H. Wade10.1016/j.aorn.2008.06.015AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Education183192http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008375/abstract?rss=yesIn the book DiMaggio: Setting the Record Straight, authors Morris Engelberg and Marv Schneider relate a conversation with DiMaggio about Internal Revenue Service tax-free gifts.(p232) The authors state that giving a gift during one's life is like a gift of gold, but when a gift is given after death, it is like copper. They explain that the expression came from a rabbi during a fund-raising appeal and means that it is easier to include giving in one's will—a dead person will not experience any sacrifice—than it is to give during one's life where sacrifices and choices must be made. Donating one's skills as a perioperative nurse by volunteering is like that gift of gold—it requires some sacrifice of both time and money, but from all accounts, it is well worth it.Volunteering Speaks to the Heart of NursingCynthia Spry10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.016AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Global Perspectives193195http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008387/abstract?rss=yesQUESTION: A colleague of mine works in office-based surgery (OBS) and I work in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). We were discussing resources we might use to guide our perioperative practice. Do AORN's standards and recommended practices apply to our work settings? Does AORN have practical and educational resources applicable to OBS and ASC settings?Clinical IssuesSheila Mitchell10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.017AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Departments197200http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008399/abstract?rss=yesOn September 24, 2008, the Joint Commission released a Sentinel Event Alert related to accidental deaths and overdoses associated with anticoagulants. In this alert, the Joint Commission reported that anticoagulants are among the top five drug types associated with serious medication errors in the United States and are often a cause of fatal medication errors in the United Kingdom. The three most commonly used anticoagulants—heparin; warfarin; and low molecular weight heparin (ie, enoxaparin)—are reported to be the medications most frequently involved in these medication errors.Anticoagulants: Be Alert for ErrorsSuzanne C. Beyea10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.018AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Patient Safety First203205http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008405/abstract?rss=yesFlexible ureteroscopy with laser probes achieves excellent results with very few complications in the ureteroscopic management of urethral stones. The fragility and high cost of this equipment, however, are major drawbacks that restrict its use.Evidence for PracticeGeorge Allen10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.019AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Departments207212http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008417/abstract?rss=yesKathleen D. Pagana Sigma Theta Tau InternationalReviews10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.020AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Departments213213http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209208008429/abstract?rss=yesPeriop 101: A Core Curriculum™ is a comprehensive, online program for educating new perioperative nurses that provides 40 continuing education contact hours. The curriculum covers 25 pertinent topics and is designed to be integrated with your facility's specific policies and procedures in a clinical practicum and preceptorship.Educational Opportunities10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.021AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Departments219223http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS000120920800834X/abstract?rss=yesA 56-year-old woman with dysfunctional uterine bleeding and a possible retained intrauterine device (IUD) was scheduled for elective hysteroscopy and dilation and curettage (D&C). After the patient was in the OR and prepared for the procedure, the team discovered that the equipment typically used for hysteroscopy was unavailable—the procedure had been listed only as a D&C on the OR schedule, so the hysteroscopy set had not yet been sterilized after use earlier in the day. To avoid cancelling the procedure, the team borrowed sterile parts from other hysteroscopy sets.Are the Instruments Ready?10.1016/j.aorn.2008.12.013AORN Journal 89, 1 (2009)2009-01-01AORN Journal2009-01-01891S0001-2092(08)X0014-6Perioperative Grand Rounds244244