Periop Talk Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)

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 only evaluate a patient's susceptibility to VTE formation but al...

Burnout in Perioperative Nursing: Key Takeaways from the VideoThis 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. This is causing delays and cancellations in surgeries.Factor...

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 techniques, ultimately creating a safer environment for both nur...

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 promotion.Support the Show.Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-t...

Clear Communication for Better Care: A Guide to Team Dynamics in the ORFor perioperative nurses, effective teamwork is crucial for patient safety. Building a Culture of SafetyA 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 respectful communication.Error Reporting: Make it safe to report erro...

Still in crisis mode from the pandemic and its aftermath, many nurses are feeling tired and somewhat disgruntled, and may be looking for greener pastures.However, the journey toward “greener grass” can begin without hopping the fence, suggests Jill Graham, BSN, RN.As a surgical services co-educator (and her team’s unofficial counselor and mediator), Graham made it her mission to foster a less toxic culture in nursing, starting with her own practice.She realized that “culture healing will not ...