Canadian operating room nursing journal最新文献

The choice of a reprocessing method depends on many factors and there is no one perfect method that suits all situations. The needs of patients, staff and the healthcare facility, as well as the types of products available at any given time, will all influence the decision. And that decision will not be final. Products change as do consumer needs. As a result the reprocessing decision will need to be reviewed, on a regular basis, in order to ensure that it remains current.

The focus of this article is the relationship between the Operating Room (O.R.) and the Sterile Processing Department (S.P.D.). The goal is to help readers gain insights into the driving forces which impact on both departments and to help them establish realistic expectations for improving the performance and quality of this relationship. It is important to discuss ways to solve conflict and enhance teamwork between the O.R. and S.P.D. Both departments need to establish a common understanding and ensure that everyone "talks the same language" and "tears down the walls" between them. For the purpose of this article the short form of S.P.D. will be used for Sterile Processing Department (sometimes known as Central Processing), the department where instrument processing takes place and the distribution center for the entire hospital's supplies.

Advances in medicine and technology are demanding increased, and more diverse, education and learning. To provide quality patient care perioperative nurses need to be up to date. Is it possible to accomplish this task in our era of healthcare staff shortages and budget cuts? Step outside the traditional classroom and see where it leads. Continuing education, or mandatory education hours are also requirements for a growing number of professional bodies. Can we continue to meet this demand?

Apprehension about oral communication, or public speaking is rated as the number one fear among most individuals. Developing skill in, and comfort with, public speaking is important whether we are presenting oral reports and proposals, responding to questions, or training co-workers. Effective speakers are able to communicate information in a way that stimulates interest, helps the audience to understand and remember, and influences attitudes and behaviours. Many of us think that effective speakers are born rather than made. In truth most successful speakers work hard and invest a great deal of time and effort in to improving their speaking capabilities. Effective public speaking is a learned skill and activity that requires lots of practice. Like other learned skills, having a strategy with clear action steps can help you achieve your goal.

The fear of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and disease transmission from patients to health care professionals or health care professional to patients is real. Perioperative nurses and other surgical personnel should be aware of the dangers and risks of exposure to these viruses. Patients may be infected with one of the currently recognized bloodborne viruses including Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is imperative that accidental exposure during surgical procedures be avoided. The most common means of exposure are percutaneous and mucous membrane routes. The persistence of HBV, HCV and HIV infections, long incubation periods, and the likelihood of frequent asymptomatic carrier states remain continuing threats to the surgical team and makes it difficult to rely on a diagnosis. Infection prevention and control strategies to reduce the risk of exposures and prevent transmission are based on a number of approaches including engineering, administrative and works practice controls and the proper selection and use of personal protective equipment.