Staffing shortage a contributing factor to cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Editor's Note According to a new report, titled “The State of Security 2022” from Software company Splunk, mass resignations and gaps in staffing may be contributing to cybersecurity companies’ inability to defend against certain cyberattacks, Becker’s Health IT April 25 reports. The report surveyed more than 1,000 cybersecurity leaders across…
HCA Healthcare revenue curtailed by labor costs
Editor's Note HCA Healthcare, the biggest health system in the US comprising 182 hospitals and some 2,300 ambulatory sides based in Nashville, Tennessee, announced on April 22 that its first quarter financial and operating results fell short of projections, HealthLeaders April 22 reports. Despite an increase in revenue, higher labor…
David Wyatt: Thriving in today's perioperative environment
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to stark focus several ways the nation’s current healthcare system needs to change. But for those already in the profession, these systematic issues have always been present, and a select few have been tirelessly working towards change years before the pandemic. One such individual is…
Effective orientation vital for a sustainable workforce: Part 2
Orientation is the backbone of a sustainable workforce. Part 2 of OR Manager’s two-part series focuses on the orientation of experienced and per diem nurses, social onboarding, and how the pandemic has affected orientation, post-orientation efforts, and evaluation. Experienced nurses Experienced OR nurses are typically placed on the fast…
Editorial
All of us at OR Manager are absolutely heartbroken over the passing of Patricia C. Seifert, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA(e), FAAN, FAORN, or as everyone who knew and loved her, our dear Trish. Trish was a force to reckon with, a true leaders’ leader. As a member of OR Manager’s…
Tracking orientation, competencies, and skillsets in the OR—Military style
GENERAL Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Department of Defense or the US Government. Developing OR nurses for the future is a goal of all OR managers. Orientation programs can vary depending on the…
Hospitals, ORs fear ransomware fallout from Ukraine invasion
Hospitals and health systems know they are attractive targets for cybercriminals. When lives are at stake, and the victims are often insured, ransomware gangs can expect a quick and easy payout. But since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, hospitals have had to face a new reality: The…
Creative recycling: blue wrap, bottle caps, thinking outside the box
There is more than one way to skin a blue wrap—and transform its utility. Faced with overwhelming amounts of waste, teams in operating rooms are finding creative solutions, taking discarded medical supplies and repurposing them into bed pans, COVID masks, or in some cases, works of art. For many health…
Innovation Spot: Leveraging technology to address gaps in staffing
Is technology part of the answer for nursing staff woes? As COVID-19 patients continue to fill hospital beds, caregivers are feeling exhausted, burned out, and unappreciated. OR nurses have been especially hit hard, as shifts in surgeries and overflowing patient wards stretch OR nurses beyond their limits and comfort zones.…
Crash cart management best practices for ASCs
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are one of the fastest-growing and highest-margin segments of the healthcare industry. As ASCs continue to expand, facilities need to enhance their workflow processes and procedures to help divert staff more toward actual patient care. Crash cart management is an aspect for ASCs where time and…