OR Nurse 2010

Nissen fundoplication for repair of hiatal hernia

Bartlett, Dana

The most common procedure to correct hiatal hernias is the Nissen fundoplication, which is meant to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, restore the intra-abdominal esophagus, reconstruct the diaphragmatic hiatus, and reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter.

Warm hands, warm heart: Perioperative prevention of unintended hypothermia

Brazen, Linda

Stay in step with the Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals by initiating an assessment of hypothermia potential during patient care routines and supporting efforts to prevent and treat hypothermia as a priority.

Stop SSIs in their tracks

Spencer, Maureen; Gulczynski, Diane

Identifying S. aureus colonization during the presurgical screening process is important to help reduce infections. In this article, the authors document the effectiveness of preoperative surveillance and topical decolonization on reducing SSI rates.

Open heart surgery: preparing patients for recovery

Chunta, Kristy

Research suggests a patient's experience and recovery after open-heart surgery may be more complex than anticipated. Patients need to be better prepared for the transition from hospital to home, as well as the limitations that may occur during recovery.

Focusing on the surgical patient with cardiac problems

Morse, Kate J.

Is your patient with heart problems scheduled for noncardiac surgery? Protect him by following this advice based on the latest evidence-based guidelines.

Nissen fundoplication for repair of hiatal hernia

Maintaining skin integrity in the OR

Reaching the peak of perioperative practice

Thompson, Elizabeth M.

How do we move forward? What steps do we take to reach the peak of perioperative practice? Attending AORN Congress is one step towards continuous improvement and commitment to optimum patient outcomes and collaboration.

Overtime risks and OR nurses

Harwell-Gunyon, Marsha

Nurses who work overtime (whether mandatory or voluntary), are far more likely to commit nursing errors on the job. This second article in a two-part series reviews recent research on nurse workplace restrictions.

Lessons to learn from the H1N1 pandemic

Allen, George

Last fall, projections for the 2009 influenza A pandemic estimated that few countries would have the staff, facilities, equipment, and medical beds to cope with the large numbers of people needing care. This article focuses on how a pandemic can affect the perioperative setting.

Technically Speaking

Find out about the newest surgical products, including an electrosurgical suction device, absorbable skin staples, and a continuous external tissue expander.

7 tips to improve your professional etiquette

Pagana, Kathleen D.

Encourage staff to present themselves in a professional manner to stand out and increase their chances for career success.

Being the best you can be

Ford, Donna A.

In today's environment of continuous change, having a vision for your own professional future—and determining what you need to do to get there—is more important than ever.