Malignant hyperthermia hotline 1-800-644-9737 Outside the US: 1-315-464-7079 Download a sample MH emergency therapy poster at http://medical.mhaus.org When malignant hyperthermia (MH) surfaces in an ambulatory surgery setting, minutes count—the patient needs to be stabilized immediately and transferred to a hospital. But will the ambulance service have the right equipment and…

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Flu vaccinations should be a condition of employment or privileges for all health care personnel, two infection control societies advocate. Being vaccinated is a "professional and ethical responsibility" and not complying with a facility's vaccination policy should not be tolerated, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) said in…

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Financial difficulties are challenging more managers of ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) this year, according to results of the 20th annual OR Manager Salary/ Career Survey. Average annual salary (and total compensation) by region Note: Total compensation includes wages/salary plus bonuses, insurance, pension, etc. Much of the change can be attributed…

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Like organ donation, tissue donation is an end-of-life gift that can save or enhance the lives of 50 people, often many more. Donated human tissue, also called allografts, can be used in a variety of replacement, reconstructive, or regenerative surgical procedures. Beginning with an individual's decision to donate, each step…

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Screening of tissue donors is a critical step in ensuring tissue safety. Screening is a complex, multidisciplinary process that begins every time a family says "yes" to the option of donation and ends when tissue is released for transplant. Tissue banks vary in what is considered a suitable donor. Regulating…

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Contributed by Competency & Credentialing Institute. The operating room is an increasingly specialized and complex practice area. Technology advances rapidly, and consumers of perioperative care demand safe, quality treatment. "Surgical intervention requires a well-honed team of experts that trust each other, from the physicians to nurses and surgical techs," Larry…

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The lingering effects of the recession continue to affect OR staffing, according to results of the 20th annual OR Manager Salary/Career Survey. Like last year, most OR directors and managers (78% vs 80% in 2009) said the economic downturn has had an impact on staffing. But this year's results indicate…

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As health care facilities continue to face tight economics, the staffing picture of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) is much the same as last year. Compared to a year ago, most ASC managers say the number of open positions, staff turnover, and recruitment are about the same. There are few open…

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