AORN

Tired of drowning in documentation? 🌊🙋🏼♀️🛟 4️⃣Signs your OR needs a documentation overhaul – and how to begin 🪧1️⃣Frequent Errors Frequent issues such as mismatched procedure codes, incomplete documentation, and the improper use of preference cards can create ripple effects throughout the OR. These challenges contribute to scheduling errors, supply disruptions, and delays, ultimately affecting efficiency and revenue. 💡Solution: Streamline your documentation with AORN Syntegrity’s Procedure List. By standardizing procedure codes, you can improve scheduling accuracy, ensure the correct preference card is utilized, and enhance coordination across all phases of care. 🪧2️⃣ Overburdened OR Staff Periop teams are often understaffed and overextended, leading to stress, burnout, and even attrition. Support is essential to preserving their well-being and maintaining high-quality patient care. 💡Solution: Automate redundant documentation tasks with AORN Syntegrity. By focusing on what’s truly required for regulatory compliance and national practice standards, nurses are freed up to assist where they’re needed most. 🪧3️⃣ Poor Data Accessibility for Decision-Making In the OR, every second counts. Delays caused by inaccessible information can lead to adverse outcomes, missed opportunities for improvement, and financial losses, all while adding unnecessary stress to your team. 💡Solution: AORN Syntegrity includes easily accessible hyperlinks to tools like eGuidelines Plus, providing periop nurses with instant access to guidelines, documentation standards, and essential resources. This empowers teams to make faster, more informed decisions. 🪧4️⃣ Challenges with Compliance and Accreditation Compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards such as Joint Commission requirements and CMS guidelines is non-negotiable. Yet, without standardized documentation and clear processes, your OR may struggle to meet these benchmarks. 💡Solution: AORN Syntegrity simplifies compliance by guiding your team with best practices for documentation, procedure scheduling, and patient centered care. By adopting AORN Syntegrity, your OR can operate at the highest level of compliance, reducing risk and enhancing your facility's reputation for quality care. AORN Syntegrity bridges this gap with perioperative-specific nursing documentation and a robust surgical procedure library mapped to CPT®, ICD-10-PCS®, and SNOMED CT®. With the ability to integrate with most EHR systems, AORN Syntegrity empowers periop teams to standardize procedures and documentation, streamline workflows, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs. Efficiency is 🗝️ https://lnkd.in/ghPrX4Nt #ORnurse #perioperative #nursing #nurselife #healthcareworker #hospital #nursepractitioner #PA #physicianassistant #medicalassistant #EHR #nurse #nurses

6 Simple Patient Satisfaction ideas Want to give your patients the VIP treatment without breaking the bank? 💰✨ Here are some easy and affordable ways to boost patient satisfaction: • AI Assistant: Let AI handle some of the heavy lifting and impress your patients with quick, informative, and empathetic responses. 🤖 • Speedy Service: Keep your patients moving and grooving. Minimize wait times and get them in and out efficiently. 💨 • Cozy Comforts: Warm blankets and soothing music can turn a stressful experience into a relaxing one. 🛌🎶 • Laughter is the Best Medicine: A good joke can go a long way in easing anxiety. Keep your staff stocked with dad jokes! 😂 • Personal Touch: Let your patients choose their own soundtrack for their procedure. It's a small gesture that can make a big difference. 🎧 What simple touches have you implemented to improve patient satisfaction? Share your knowledge 👇🏼 Want more workplace culture and patient experience content? Visit Outpatient Surgery magazine: https://lnkd.in/gP-UUzGy #patientsatisfaction #healthcare #outpatientsurgery #ASC #AI #patientcare #hospitality #Nurse #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife

Consent is key🗝️ Informed consent is a crucial part of the surgical process. Here are some important steps to keep in mind: Best Practices: - Teach-Back Method💬: Ensure comprehension from the patient by having them explain the procedure, its purpose, and risks in their own words. - Documentation✍️: The consent form should include detailed information about the procedure, signatures from all parties, plus the date and time. Signatures and Legalities: - Patient and Representative: The patient or a legally authorized representative must sign the consent form. - Witness Verification: A witness verifies the patient's identity and the details of the consent. Special Considerations: - Minors and Emancipated Minors🧑🧑🧒🧒: Consent rules vary for minors, with parents or guardians typically providing consent unless the minor is emancipated. - Emergency Situations🚨: In emergencies, two physicians may confirm the necessity of the procedure if the patient cannot consent. Your Role as the Perioperative Nurse: - Support and Verification: Periop nurses help support the informed consent process by arranging translation services if needed and verifying the completed consent forms before surgery. As a periop nurse, it is important to always make your patients feel empowered to ask questions and seek clarity about their treatment options. 🏥 What do you find are the best ways to go over consent with your patients? Drop them in the comments below. #nurses #safesurgery #patientcare #perioperative #periopnurse #ORLife #nursing #nurse #nurselife

At NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital), a groundbreaking domino heart transplant for infants demonstrated the power of teamwork and innovation in pediatric care. One baby received a new heart, while their own heart provided a functioning valve for another infant in need. For Kerri Hensler, DNP, MPA, BSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, the director of nursing for perioperative services, participating in such a historic procedure exemplifies her leadership philosophy: care driven by connection, teamwork, and purpose. Kerri’s leadership extends across numerous milestones: • Both campuses earned the AORN Go Clear Award for safer surgical environments 🏅 • Her Post-Anesthesia Care Unit became the first in NYC to receive Beacon designation, a mark of exceptional teamwork and patient care ⭐ During the pandemic, Kerri helped transform more than 20 operating rooms into ICUs within 72 hours. By meeting with over 200 staff members individually, she fostered trust and created a triad care model that paired ICU and OR nurses with physicians to provide high-quality care in a new environment. 💬 “Leadership during a crisis means being present, communicating clearly, and creating solutions together,” she said. Kerri also supports innovation, such as advancing robotic surgery programs and transplant technologies like normothermic perfusion to improve patient outcomes 🤖💉 She believes in creating a balance for her team, championing a four-day workweek for nurse leader s to support personal and professional growth. How do you balance work and home life? Share your thoughts below. 👇🏼 👉 Read more about Kerri’s story: https://bit.ly/4iwCqr4 #nurselife #ORnurse #Nursing #Nurses #Periop #leadership #leadershipskills #ORLife

AORN is excited to welcome David Wyatt, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN, as our new CEO and Executive Director. David is a seasoned leader in perioperative nursing and healthcare management, bringing decades of experience to this role. He has held senior leadership positions, including Chief Nursing Officer at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Vice President of the Perioperative Enterprise at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In these roles, he provided strategic and operational leadership for perioperative services, managed complex budgets, and championed advancements in patient care. David has deep ties to AORN, having served as AORN President in 2020. During his tenure, he guided the organization through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating resilience and commitment to supporting perioperative nurses during a critical time. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and AORN (FAORN) and has been a passionate advocate for advancing the role of nurses in healthcare leadership. In his new role, David is eager to focus on key priorities for AORN members, including workforce development, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the nursing profession. “I have long admired AORN’s unwavering commitment to supporting perioperative nurses and promoting safe, high-quality surgical care,” David shared. “Together, we’ll build on AORN’s strong foundation to address today’s complex healthcare challenges and shape the future of perioperative nursing.” Under David’s leadership, we are confident AORN will continue to lift up perioperative nurses and advance patient safety, professional growth, and innovation in surgical care. Please join us in giving David Wyatt a warm welcome as he embarks on this new chapter! #AORN #PerioperativeNursing #PatientSafety #NursingLeadership #Nurse #Nurses #Nursing #ORNurse #ORLife

🎉 Time is Running Out! Enter to Win a FREE 4-Night Hotel Stay for AORN Expo 2025! 🏨 ⏳ The countdown is on! If you haven’t registered for AORN Expo 2025 yet, now’s your chance. 📅 Register by Jan. 1 to secure your spot at the world’s largest perioperative event of the year AND automatically be entered to win a FREE 4-night hotel stay in Boston (a $1,200 value)! Winners will be announced via email on Jan. 5 Don’t wait! Less than two weeks remain on this incredible giveaway. Register Now: https://bit.ly/3YPXtNs 📍 When: April 5–8, 2025 📍 Where: Boston, MA Don’t forget to tag a friend who needs to be there, too! 🏨✨ #NursingConference #PerioperativeNurses #WinYourStay #TogetherWeRise #CareerGrowth #ORNurse #NurseLife #Nursing #Nurses #Periop #Perioperative #Expo

Are perioperative nurses stuck in their roles? 🤔 This month's Presidents Forum video dives into the often-untapped leadership potential of perioperative nurses. We explore the unique and highly valuable skills these professionals possess, including deep operational expertise, intricate supply chain management knowledge, and the ability to build strong relationships. These skills, crucial to the smooth functioning of any facility, are often overlooked when considering perioperative nurses for broader leadership positions. We discuss why perioperative leaders sometimes stay in the same roles for extended periods and what they can do to break that cycle. We offer practical advice on how to effectively showcase these valuable skills to higher-ups, take ownership of career progression, and make the leap into broader leadership roles or other executive positions. We also touch on the importance of finding mentors who can provide guidance and support, and the benefits of intentionally stepping outside your comfort zone to gain diverse experiences. If you're a perioperative nurse looking to advance your career, or a healthcare leader looking to identify hidden talent within your organization, this video is for you! https://lnkd.in/gjRekRgD #perioperative #nursingleadership #nursingcareers #nurse #nursing #nurses #ornurse #nurselife #orlife #periopnurse

What's that smell? 😶🌫️ Surgical smoke from devices like electrosurgical units, lasers, and high-speed instruments can contain dangerous compounds like hydrogen cyanide and benzene. 😱 It also carries bioaerosols, viruses, viable cancer cells, particles, blood fragments, and bacteria🦠. Here are some best practices to ensure a safer surgical environment: 1. Use Smoke Evacuation Systems:       • Always use a smoke evacuation system to capture and filter surgical smoke, even during minimally invasive procedures.       • Position the smoke capture device (e.g., wand, tubing) as close to the surgical site as possible to maximize efficiency. 2. Follow Manufacturer Instructions:       • Ensure all smoke management equipment and accessories are used according to the manufacturer's instructions for optimal performance and safety. 3. Handle and Dispose of Equipment Properly:       • Used smoke evacuator filters, tubing, and wands should be handled with standard precautions and disposed of as biohazardous waste to prevent contamination and exposure. 4. Enhance Room Ventilation:       • In addition to using smoke evacuation systems, maintain proper room ventilation to further reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants. Has your facility gone smoke free? 🌫️🚫Tell us what it took to make the change and how you’re benefiting from it in the comments. 💬 Best Practices for Surgical Smoke Evacuation and Filtration from the AORN Journal is free for the rest of this month: https://lnkd.in/grTjKfMG #perioperative #safesurgery #smokeevacuation #ORlife #nurses #periopnurses #nurse #nursing #ORnurse #nurselife

Periop Nurses: Let’s Talk Pay, Bonuses, and Staffing Trends in 2024 🧑🏼⚕️👩🏽⚕️💸💬 The new AORN salary survey is out, and the results are a mix of good news, not-so-good news, and room for hope in 2025. Here’s what you need to know: 1️⃣ Staff Nurse Salaries Increased, But Growth Slowed The average staff nurse salary hit $89,200 this year—up $4,300 from 2023. However, this is less than last year’s $5,500 jump. Are these raises keeping up with rising costs? That’s a question many of you are asking. 2️⃣ Nurse Leaders Saw the Smallest Pay Bump If you’re a VP, director, or assistant director, you earned about $135,600 in 2024—an increase of $4,100. But that’s less than the gains seen in previous years. Leadership responsibilities are growing; compensation should reflect that. 3️⃣ Hiring Bonuses Are Bigger Than Ever! 📈 Good news for new hires: 22% received hiring bonuses this year, up from 19% in 2023. And most are substantial—63% of bonuses were $10,000 or more. Hospitals know they need you, and they’re showing it upfront. 4️⃣ Travel Nurse Demand Keeps Falling ✈️ Only 55% of facilities reported using travel nurses in 2024, down from 63% last year and 68% in 2022. Is this a sign that staff shortages are easing? 5️⃣ Staffing Gaps and Safety Risks Are Improving 🏥 Vacant positions dropped to 8% this year (from 18% in 2022!). Better yet, fewer of you are reporting patient safety concerns due to short staffing, and surgery cancellations due to staffing issues are down. Progress is slow, but it’s happening. 6️⃣ Pay Dissatisfaction is Rising 📈 Here’s the tough part: Nearly 70% of comments highlighted pay dissatisfaction—up 10% from last year. Common complaints? • Pay isn’t keeping up with inflation • Periop specialties deserve more recognition • New grads earning as much or more than seasoned nurses What do you think about these trends? Are you seeing the same in your OR? Let’s talk about it in the comments. 💬 How does your pay compare? Check out the updated AORN Compensation Calculator—free for AORN members—to find out where you stand. Want more insights? Members can dive into the full survey results in the December issue of the AORN Journal. #PeriopNursing #NurseSalaries #AORN #Nurse #Nursing #Nurses #NurseLife #ORNurse #ORLife #Periop

Hurricane Helene and the IV Fluid Crisis: A Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on Baxter's North Cove facility exposed a critical vulnerability in our healthcare system: the fragility of the medical supply chain. With 60% of the US's IV fluids produced there, the disruption caused significant challenges for healthcare facilities nationwide. The Impact: • Canceled Surgeries: Many facilities were forced to postpone elective procedures due to IV fluid shortages. • Rationing Resources: Healthcare providers had to carefully manage their limited supply of IV fluids. • Shared Resources: Facilities collaborated to share resources and ensure patient care. Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness: • Diversify Suppliers: Relying on multiple suppliers can mitigate the impact of single-source disruptions. • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with GPOs and other healthcare facilities can strengthen supply chain resilience. • Inventory Management: Implementing robust inventory management systems can help optimize stock levels and reduce waste. • Emergency Preparedness Plans: Developing comprehensive emergency plans can help facilities respond effectively to supply chain disruptions. • Leverage Technology: Utilizing advanced technologies can improve supply chain visibility and enable proactive decision-making. ECRI's Supply Chain Report: ECRI's Supply Chain Report offers valuable insights into alternative IV fluid options and can help healthcare facilities navigate the challenges posed by the Baxter disruption. By providing information on functionally equivalent products, the report empowers facilities to make informed decisions and ensure uninterrupted patient care. A Call to Action: The Baxter crisis serves as a reminder of the importance of a resilient healthcare supply chain. By learning from this experience and taking proactive measures, healthcare facilities can better prepare for future disruptions and safeguard patient care. How can you be better prepared for the next event? Read Supply Chain Survival at Outpatient Surgery Magazine: https://lnkd.in/gx2uVp3Q #healthcare #supplychain #IVfluid #Baxter #healthcareindustry #medicalsupplychain #patientcare #emergencypreparedness #ASC #outpatientsurgery