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 © 2010 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. AORN Journal0001-2092913March 2010 © 2010 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000682/abstract?rss=yes At the end of each calendar year, local and national television news programs provide us with retrospectives of the events that occurred in the previous 12 months, allowing us to reflect on what we have experienced and envision what may be ahead. As my AORN Presidency nears an end, I find myself reflecting on the year I've had and what I've shared with you in these pages each month.The President's Year in ReviewPatrick E. Voight10.1016/j.aorn.2010.01.009AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7President's Message313315http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000463/abstract?rss=yes “Climbing the mountain” and its many metaphoric iterations often are used to describe attaining important goals. “Reaching the Peak of Perioperative Practice: Safety, Quality, Collaboration,” is an apt theme for the 2010 AORN Congress, which will be held this month in Denver, Colorado, not only for the worthy objectives of safety, quality, and collaboration, but also the allusion to the required skills, strengths, and abilities as well as risks that are integral to achieving a high level of performance. As perioperative nurses, we encounter challenges and opportunities in our daily practice, and our ability to negotiate the complexities of patient care is what enables us to “reach the peak.”Climbing the MountainPatricia C. Seifert10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.018AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Editorial316318http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000487/abstract?rss=yesEach day, perioperative professionals rely heavily on the central sterile supply department (CSSD) to provide them with properly processed, well-functioning, and expeditiously delivered instruments. What many may not appreciate or understand, however, is the level of discipline, commitment, and responsibility each CSSD professional bears to meet the many needs of the OR as well as the ongoing needs of other hospital departments and, above all, the patients.Central Sterile Supply Department Professionals: A Key Piece in the OR Quality PuzzleLisa Huber10.1016/j.aorn.2010.01.002AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7IAHCSMM Insider319320http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000669/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. Periop 101 will help you develop confident, better-educated, safety-conscious, entry-level perioperative nurses. For pricing and other information and a demonstration of the course, visit http://www.aorn.org/Periop101.Educational Opportunities10.1016/j.aorn.2010.01.007AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Educational Opportunities321324http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209209009338/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: The Ilizarov method of external fixation is used to treat fractures, complex lower extremity deformities, osteomyelitis, and soft tissue contractures and to lengthen limbs. Tremendous improvements in the Ilizarov method have occurred during the past 60 years, improving intraoperative care and limb salvage management concepts. Improved instrumentation has increased the quantity and complexity of the tray systems required for these procedures. Perioperative nurses must be well versed in optimal preparation and function of Ilizarov fixation systems to ensure safe patient care during Ilizarov external fixation procedures.The Ilizarov Method of External Fixation: Current Intraoperative ConceptsDaniel K. Lee, Elizabeth Thu Anh Duong, Douglas G. Chang10.1016/j.aorn.2009.11.064AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Featured Articles326340http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209209009843/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: In today's economy, it is imperative that nurses exhibit stewardship for their organization's resources and help ensure that purchasing decisions are sound. Regardless of the decision-making method chosen, a formal, consistent review process that evaluates cost, compares products, examines implications, analyzes risk, uses evidence, and includes safety and outcome measures is vital to success. Clinical Quality Value Analysis (CQVA) is a product evaluation platform that can be used to determine whether a proposed product or service will add value to the organization as well as improve patient outcomes. Using CQVA for a proposed product or service is a five-step process: assess, plan, design, implement, and measure/sustain.An Effective Process for Making Decisions About Major Operating Room PurchasesCarol Pennington, Nancy Ruby DeRienzo10.1016/j.aorn.2009.10.021AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Featured Articles341349http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209209009405/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Prevention of health care-associated infections, specifically surgical site infections, is a fundamental responsibility of the perioperative team. Breaks in sterile technique can and do occur, even for the most conscientious perioperative practitioners. Surgical site infections are associated with unnecessary patient pain and suffering and increased lengths of hospital stay and health care costs. Prevention of surgical site infections, therefore, takes on great significance in today's dynamic health care environment. Key responsibilities of perioperative nurses are to recognize and correct common breaks in sterile technique that are made in preparation for and during a surgical procedure and to implement methods to prevent future occurrences.Common Breaks in Sterile Technique: Clinical Perspectives and Perioperative ImplicationsWilliam R. Hopper, Rose Moss10.1016/j.aorn.2009.09.027AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Featured Articles350367http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000499/abstract?rss=yesInformation in health care is ever changing, which makes it difficult to remain abreast of health care news, updates, innovations, and recommended practices. Subscribing to RSS feeds from a variety of health care-related web sites can make accessing this valuable information easier. First, you will need to choose an RSS reader based on the method through which you would prefer to receive your information (eg, iPhone®, BlackBerry®, Mac OS®, Windows®, online). Next, go to the sites you visit most and those that are of interest to you to find out whether they offer RSS feeds. If they do, you will be able to subscribe to the feed and view the information via your RSS reader.RSS for NursesJennifer Brusco10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.020AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Tapping into Technology368377http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000475/abstract?rss=yesAfter 30 years of working in a variety of perioperative roles, I confidently stand by the phrase “Never say never in health care” and add my personal worldview “if it can happen, it will.” Often, however, it is the unthinkable that happens, such as wrong site surgery or even surgery on the wrong patient. Every member of the perioperative team must be diligent in promoting a culture of safety that places emphasis on prevention of untoward events. There are certain components of patient care that may be unpredictable (eg, an adverse drug reaction), but there are other events that should never occur (eg, a foreign object left in a patient). As it pertains to health care, the term never events was introduced by Kenneth Kizer, the former chief executive officer of the National Quality Forum (NQF). Never events, also called serious reportable events, are rare, serious medical errors that are preventable and should never happen to a patient. For example, it is reasonable that a patient should never experience death or serious disability related to misuse or malfunction of a device.Never Events in Health CareDonna S. Watson10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.019AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Patient Safety First378382http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209209009855/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: For associate degree nursing students at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, the perioperative nursing clinical experience typically included a one-day observation of a surgical procedure, with students entering the OR suite after the surgery started and having to leave before the surgery was completed. An associate professor of nursing and a perioperative staff education coordinator partnered to address this lack of a complete perioperative experience for students and offer a more formal OR experience. The clinical experience was altered to provide relevant didactic perioperative nursing content in class before the clinical day, a group orientation, and observation in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative areas. Reactions of students and perioperative staff members to these changes were positive.Improving Associate Degree Nursing Students' Perioperative Clinical Observation ExperiencesDonna L. Ricketts, Susan E. Gray10.1016/j.aorn.2009.09.028AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Featured Article383389http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000451/abstract?rss=yesIn the United States, we continue to argue the merits of making a bachelor's degree the requirement for entry into the practice of nursing. We lament the fact that there are few schools offering a perioperative nursing elective course. We fear a future with an ever-growing elderly population and a shrinking pool of nurses. Although we have made strides in salaries for nurses, we often believe pay does not reflect the responsibilities nurses have to manage, including using increasingly high-tech equipment and creating and maintaining a safe patient environment. We have successfully waged a very long battle for recognition in the legislative arena to achieve the mandate in 20 states that the person in the circulator role during surgery must be an RN. Nurses in other parts of the world have many of the same concerns that we have in the United States. They, too, are engaged in efforts to improve working conditions, enhance patient safety, and develop and implement educational programs specific to perioperative nursing.Different but SimilarCynthia Spry10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.017AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Global Perspectives390393http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000670/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Health care vendors (ie, industry) can be credited with developing products and medications that improve perioperative clinician and patient safety. The role of the medical science liaison in industry is to provide education about these products and facilitate research partnerships between clinicians and industry that can result in new products and innovations.The Role of the Medical Science Liaison in IndustryDonna L. Baker10.1016/j.aorn.2010.01.008AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Featured Article394398http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209209009739/abstract?rss=yesThis Month: Flash sterilizationKey words: flash sterilization, routine sterilization cycles, drying time, cooling time, rigid sterilization containers.Eye protectionKey words: protective eye wear, goggles, standard precautions, bloodborne pathogens.Reusing medication syringes and tubingKey words: single-use devices, reusing syringes, multidose vials, infection prevention.Clinical Issues—March 2010Bonnie Denholm, Mary Ogg, Mary Ogg10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.009AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Clinical Issues399406http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000542/abstract?rss=yesIn the United States, health care workers report approximately 800,000 accidental needle sticks each year. A recent report estimated that more than 2,000 needle-stick injuries occur during cesarean deliveries alone. Such incidents expose perioperative personnel to the risk of bloodborne diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Consequently, numerous safeguards have been developed to mitigate this risk, including the policy of universal precautions, needleless systems, double gloving, a neutral zone for sharps passing, and the use of blunt or rounded-tip needles during surgical procedures. Numerous studies have demonstrated a decrease in glove perforation, a proxy for percutaneous injuries, with the use of blunt needles, and the authors of one study estimated that percutaneous injuries from needle sticks could be reduced by 87% if sharp needles were replaced by blunt needles 50% of the time.Evidence for PracticeGeorge Allen10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.021AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Evidence for Practice407412http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS000120920900934X/abstract?rss=yes Throughout history, there have been many notable accomplishments in surgery. This book focuses on the surgical advancements that were made within the United States. Although this book is a quick read, it is an excellent resource for any nurse, nursing or medical student, physician, or layperson with an interest in the history of medicine or surgery. From describing surgeries performed by Native Americans, to the first abdominal surgery, to where surgery is now and where it may go in the future, the author offers an interesting perspective on what happens daily within the OR.Stephanie Kefer10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.003AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Reviews413414http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209209009363/abstract?rss=yes This handbook is intended primarily for certified registered nurse anesthetists; however, the user-friendly formatting and concise presentation of critical information makes it a highly suitable and useful guide for any nurse in the perioperative setting. The book is divided into three sections: common diseases, common procedures, and common medications.Daphne Stannard10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.005AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Reviews414415http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209209009351/abstract?rss=yes This book is intended for nursing professionals from novice to manager level, as well as for the advanced practice nurse. This edition was edited by true experts in perianesthesia practice. Cecil Drain is a professor and dean at the School of Allied Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, and Jan Odom-Forren is a perianesthesia-perioperative consultant and coeditor of the Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing.Shauna Tarrac10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.004AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Reviews415415http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000141/abstract?rss=yes The newly revised AORN Perioperative Nursing Video Library DVD and accompanying CD-ROM study guide provide perioperative nurses with critical information about malignant hyperthermia (MH) and the potential for an MH crisis during a surgical intervention. Recognizing and treating an MH crisis requires critical thinking, fast action, and teamwork to ensure a successful patient outcome.Nancy Tuthill10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.016AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Reviews416416http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000566/abstract?rss=yes This is a book for managers or others who have never delegated before. It uses a commonsense approach and various charts to help a manager determine what tasks should be delegated and to whom. This book uses a step-by-step guide to teach how to delegate to subordinates and would be of value for someone in an organization with many obligations and employees who are available for delegated work. Content is specific to managers in a business setting who are developing the skills of their subordinates by increasing their responsibilities and, therefore, their accountability. To illustrate their points, the authors focus on the business world, so the scenarios they give as examples include balancing travel schedules, project deadlines, and interdependent team relationships for meeting sales goals. The book content is not easily generalized to the perioperative environment and, therefore, may not be suitable for perioperative managers.Patricia Stein10.1016/j.aorn.2010.01.003AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Reviews416417http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000578/abstract?rss=yes This book is designed to be a quick reference tool and guide that covers all aspects of implementing or maintaining a transplant program and maintaining human tissues for transplantation within a hospital. The book incorporates conditions-of-participation regulations with those from nonprofit organizations such as Advancing Transfusion and Cellular Therapies Worldwide (AABB), the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), and the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA). The editors tap into the experience of 17 experts who represent these three associations, the leaders in the tissue banking industry. The project was led and published by AABB in cooperation with AATB and EBAA.Dennis N. Bryan10.1016/j.aorn.2010.01.004AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Reviews417418http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS000120921000058X/abstract?rss=yes As health care professionals, we strive to provide the very best patient care. Many of the decisions we make are based on scientific research and the underlying statistical analysis. This book provides an excellent review of the basic concepts related to the scientific process, data collection, and data analysis, and to their relation to statistics. Readers who have not used statistical calculations in awhile should not avoid this book; it does not teach how to perform mathematical computations. Instead, the focus is on selecting the appropriate statistics for the data and then understanding the results and limitations of each statistical tool. The author takes a very practical approach and leads the reader through a sequential, clear, and concise evaluation of research statistics.Jason Nelson10.1016/j.aorn.2010.01.005AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Reviews418419http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000591/abstract?rss=yes In this book, photographs of nurses' shoes are illustrative of the stories that follow. The author interviewed nurses from many areas of practice, including oncology, the emergency department, the military, research, and education, and all levels of practice, from students to retirees. Recurring themes in the interviews are caring about people in general and patients in particular, doing the right thing, and a passion for nursing. Stories throughout the book express the theme that nurses are undervalued, but, at the same time, they illuminate the day-to-day rewards that are enough to keep nurses going.Donna Castelluccio10.1016/j.aorn.2010.01.006AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Reviews419420http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210000554/abstract?rss=yesAn 83-year-old man presented with a left groin mass “that had been there for years” but had recently increased in size. The patient described persistent aching in his left scrotal area, with no identifiable exacerbating or alleviating factors. He noted no change in bowel or bladder habits. No history was elicited or offered regarding previous genital surgery. A physical examination showed a 20-cm left groin mass with some superficial skin ulcerations. The mass was not tender and was not reducible. The right groin and scrotum were unremarkable.Inadvertent Castration10.1016/j.aorn.2009.12.022AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7Perioperative Grand Rounds422422http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210001584/abstract?rss=yesTable of Contents10.1016/S0001-2092(10)00158-4AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7FrontmatterA3A3http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210001596/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S0001-2092(10)00159-6AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7FrontmatterA6A6http://www.aornjournal.org/article/PIIS0001209210001602/abstract?rss=yesOrders, claims, online, change of address: Elsevier Health Sciences Division, Subscription Customer Service, 3251 Riverport Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043; telephone: (800) 654-2452 (United States and Canada), (314) 447-8871 (outside United States and Canada); fax: (800) 225-4030 (United States and Canada), (314) 447-8029 (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(10)00160-2AORN Journal 91, 3 (2010)2010-03-01AORN Journal2010-03-01913S0001-2092(10)X0004-7FrontmatterA10A10