Thorough environmental cleaning limits the number of microorganisms that can be transferred to the patient and the healthcare provider, thus helping to prevent healthcare-associated infections. A team consisting of perioperative nursing, sterile processing, environmental services, and infection prevention staff needs to be established to develop cleaning procedures for all areas…

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Total joint arthroplasty volumes have ballooned in the last two decades, and reimbursement has not kept pace with costs. Rising implant prices are a major driver of hospital spending on these procedures. As the aging US population creates growing demand for joint replacement, controlling implant costs is becoming a top…

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Staffing in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) is remarkably stable, although surgical volume is increasing in many centers and recruiting is becoming more difficult, according to the 24th annual OR Manager Salary/Career Survey. More than 70% of respondents said both the percentage and number of open RN and surgical technologist (ST)…

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Leaders of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) can expect to continue facing challenges related to reimbursement even as they try to increase the kinds of procedures that can be performed in their facilities, say experts with the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA). Other key factors that will determine their future success…

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Hospitals in Texas and Wisconsin have partnered with academia and AORN to add the PeriOp 101 curriculum to BSN programs—an approach that shows promise for developing OR nurses of the future. Launched in 2012, both programs have helped prepare new nurses for the rigors of the OR and they’ve also…

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Recent highly publicized outbreaks of infections linked to improper reprocessing of flexible endoscopes have raised concerns about infection prevention in gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. Because of the headlines, legislatures are hearing from their constituents that they are fearful of being exposed to infections, and legislatures are getting involved. The Society of…

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Attending several professional meetings each year is a rewarding part of my job and a critical component of my ongoing education. As a non-clinician, I learn a lot from listening to healthcare professionals, and capturing some of what’s presented at these meetings is an attempt to keep readers abreast of…

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Keeping the OR trains running on time, keeping a lid on costs, and keeping team members’ behavior in check are a few of the hurdles in the path of every perioperative nurse leader each day. Another stressor that is probably not even on the radar but should be is lack…

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