Editor's Note Five more organizations are launching or expanding nursing programs, the January 20 Becker’s Hospital Review reports. Marian University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, and Ascension St. Vincent are partnering to address nursing shortages in Indiana. University of Phoenix College of Nursing is offering a Master of Science in Nursing…

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Nationwide staffing shortages are causing significant strain on healthcare systems. Hospital leaders have to be creative with how to mitigate this challenge while still prioritizing patient care. Healthcare workers are essential, but labor costs are often the largest expenses for hospitals. Even before the pandemic, labor costs, including recruitment, retention,…

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When making decisions about technology and equipment, there is a tendency to focus on immediate productivity increases—or perhaps, practical aspects such as carrying out an implementation or training staff. But here is another major issue: how to maintain OR equipment once the warranty runs out. This is more complex than…

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Editor's Note The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has updated its 2017 guidelines for preoperative fasting and the use of pharmacologic agents to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. The new 2023 guidance focuses on topics not addressed in the previous guideline, including ingestion of carbohydrate-containing clear liquids with or…

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Editor's Note This study from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, finds that the introduction and removal of Michigan’s executive order curtailing elective surgery during COVID-19 lagged behind the ramp-down and ramp-up of elective surgery volume. Hospitals had already achieved a 91.7% reduction in case volume before the executive order…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission on January 10 announced that it had elevated the Leadership (LD) Standard LD.04.03.08, which addresses healthcare disparities as a quality and safety priority, to a National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG), effective July 1, 2023. Current requirements for accreditation will not change, and the intent behind…

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Editor's Note Gen Z, the generation born after 1997, will comprise 30% of the workforce by 2030, and they are distinct from their s predecessors in several ways, the December 6 Becker’s Hospital Review reports. Among Gen Z’s unique needs and distinctions: 75% believe their generation will change the world,…

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Editor's Note There are four steps that leaders can take to identify and minimize their tendency to micromanage, the December 5 SmartBrief on Leadership reports. The steps include: Create a written agreement—a plan in writing that covers responsibilities, deadlines, resources needed, dates for execution. Schedule check-in dates—check-in dates build trust…

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Editor's Note The OR Manager Conference program committee is seeking presentation proposals for the 2023 conference, to be held September 18–20 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Perioperative leaders who have experience or a story to share in the following categories are encouraged to submit a proposal by December…

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Today’s chat is with Cynthia Hess, MSN, RN, FNP-C, RT(R)(CT)(ARRT), Director of Nursing, Northeast Missouri Ambulatory Surgery Center, Hannibal, MO. Q: What is something that went right at your facility and/or that you are thankful for this year? What I’m thankful for, hands down, is my staff. They take such…

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