Maintaining the sterility of surgical instruments is paramount to preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. AORN's updated guideline on packaging for sterilization provides crucial guidance for perioperative teams, addressing key concerns and promoting best practices for selecting, using, and maintaining packaging systems.

Addressing Critical Issues in Packaging for Sterilization

AORN periodically reviews and updates its guidelines to reflect current evidence and best practices. This update focuses on several critical areas:

• Packaging Defects: The guideline emphasizes the importance of minimizing packaging defects that can compromise sterility.
   
• Personnel Discomfort:Recognizing the ergonomic challenges faced by sterile processing professionals, the guideline addresses strategies to create a more comfortable and safe work environment.
  
  
• Quality of Pouches and Wraps: The guideline stresses the importance of inspecting single-use wraps and filters for defects before use.
  
  
• Streamlining Instrument Sets: The guideline encourages optimizing instrument sets to eliminate unnecessary instruments, streamlining processes, and potentially saving time and resources.

Packaging for Sterilization Guideline Changes and Enhancements:

• Ergonomic Considerations: The guideline emphasizes creating an ergonomic work environment for sterile processing professionals, including comfortable work surface heights, adjustable seating, adequate space for assembling trays, proper lighting, noise reduction, and anti-fatigue mats.
  
  
• Inspection of Wraps and Filters: The guideline reinforces the importance of inspecting all single-use wraps and filters for defects before assembling instrument sets.
  
  
• Streamlining Instrument Sets: New recommendations encourage facilities to streamline instrument sets by identifying and removing infrequently used instruments. This can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  
  
• Pouch Use and Technique: The guideline provides detailed recommendations for using peel pouches (paper/plastic), including proper sizing, sealing techniques, and inspection of seals for gaps, folds, bubbles, or wrinkles.
  
  
• Heat Sealer Maintenance: The guideline emphasizes the importance of using heat sealers according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring correct temperature settings for different materials, and maintaining equipment for optimal performance.
  
  

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Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

Sterilization is the cornerstone of infection prevention in the perioperative setting. AORN's newly updated guideline on sterilization provides crucial guidance for perioperative teams, addressing emerging challenges and reinforcing best practices.

What's New in the Sterilization Guideline for Perioperative Teams?

AORN's sterilization guideline undergoes regular review to incorporate the latest evidence and address evolving practices. This update tackles several critical areas:

• 3D-Printed Devices:The increasing use of 3D-printed devices in healthcare presents unique sterilization challenges. The guideline provides guidance on appropriate sterilization methods for these complex devices.
  
  
• Short Cycle Sterilization:The practice of short cycle sterilization, while sometimes necessary, requires careful attention to detail. The updated guideline provides a clear definition of short cycle sterilization, aligning with CMS standards, and offers recommendations for its safe implementation.
  
  
• Transporting Sterilized Items:Transporting sterilized items between facilities poses logistical and environmental control challenges. The guideline offers enhanced direction for ensuring the sterility of items during transport, including considerations for vehicle conditions, environmental control, and minimizing movement to prevent damage.
  
  
• Water Quality:The ANSI/AAMI ST108 guideline emphasizes the importance of water quality for steam sterilization. AORN's updated guideline aligns with this standard, providing recommendations for monitoring water quality to ensure optimal sterilization efficacy.

The AORN Sterilization Guideline is available now in eGuidelines Plus and in the 2025 print guideline book and ebook. Access these valuable resources and empower your team to enhance patient safety through effective sterilization practices.

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

Maintaining a hygienically clean environment is paramount—inside and outside of the operating room. Proper infection control protocols extend beyond the OR—to the hallways, changing rooms, and even our communities. That's why AORN’s updated guidelines for surgical attire are so crucial. These standards address the vital role attire plays in minimizing the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) for patients, while also protecting healthcare workers and preventing the spread of microorganisms throughout the entire healthcare facility. 

These revisions address everything from lanyards and cell phones to head coverings and shoe covers, reflecting the latest evidence-based research and best practices. This isn't just about what you wear; it's about creating a consistently safe environment for every surgical procedure.

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

Maintaining normothermia is crucial for patient safety during surgical procedures. The AORN updated guideline on patient temperature management, features an expanded scope and provides perioperative teams with the tools they need to implement consistent, high-quality care.

The most significant change to the guideline is its name and scope. Previously focused solely on hypothermia prevention, the updated guideline now addresses patient temperature management, encompassing both hypothermia and malignant hyperthermia. This expansion reflects a more holistic approach to temperature regulation throughout the perioperative journey.

Get more insights on how to build a patient temperature management plan: Maintaining Normothermia: AORN's Patient Temperature Management Guideline | AORN. 

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

What is the ERAS protocol?
ERAS is a comprehensive approach involving a multidisciplinary team that implements best practices throughout the perioperative journey, from pre-admission through post-discharge. AORN emphasizes that ERAS aims to standardize care, reduce variability, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. While AORN's focus is on perioperative nursing, the organization recognizes ERAS as a collaborative, interprofessional effort. The AORN guidelines provide a framework for implementing ERAS principles in various surgical settings.

How to access the AORN ERAS guideline?
AORN's new ERAS guideline is a valuable resource for all members of the perioperative team and represents a significant step towards a future where ERAS is the standard of care for every surgical patient. The AORN guidelines offer evidence-based practice to standardize care and improve patient outcomes. The new ERAS guideline can be found in eGuidelines+, as well as the 2025 print guideline book and ebook.

AORN also offers a free comprehensive education and recognition program, Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, through the AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety initiative.

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving to an ASC

#1 Can you handle fast and efficient turnovers?
Quick room turnovers and efficient instrument reprocessing ensure smooth patient flow and high standards of care in an ASC. Key to this is effective teamwork, a strong understanding of OR and PACU standards of care, and ethical practices to uphold quality and safety protocols.

#2 Do you have expertise in a specialty care area?
Experience in orthopedics or cardiovascular, for example, is advantageous, as it makes nurses more versatile and valuable in an ASC setting. Critical care experience is also beneficial for PACU or overnight care in an ASC because it enhances the ability to handle emergent, unanticipated patient events.

#3 Are you comfortable collaborating with surgeons?
Surgeons often have a vested interest in the center and are supportive and collaborative with staff, Davidson notes. “My experience as an AAAHC Surveyor allowed me to see how a collaborative and engaging ASC work environment can foster a culture of continuous improvement and patient-centered care that is exciting to be a part of.”

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

In this episode of Periop Talk, host Nakeisha Tolliver, AORN's 2024 President, sits down with AORN's longest-serving CEO, Linda Groah, to discuss the future of perioperative nursing. They delve into the impact of emerging technologies like AI and telehealth, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the evolving role of perioperative nurses.

Linda Groah also shares insights on the future of nursing education and training, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and the integration of technology into curricula. The discussion highlights the importance of patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the well-being of perioperative nurses.

Tune in to learn more about the exciting future of perioperative nursing and how you can prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

In May of 2024 Linda Groah, AORN's longest-serving CEO/Executive Director, announced her plans to retire at the end of the year. In this episode, we celebrate Linda's tenure and look back on the plast 20 years of transformative change in perioperative nursing. 

We delve into the most profound changes in the field, exploring how the role of the perioperative nurse has evolved over the past two decades. The discussion highlights the impact of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist on nursing practice, detailing how it has enhanced patient safety and standardized procedures.

We also examine the challenges and successes of implementing the RN circulator mandate across various states, shedding light on the advocacy efforts and legislative hurdles faced. The episode further explores AORN's significant contributions to eliminating surgical smoke, emphasizing the improvements in patient and nurse safety that resulted from these efforts.

Listeners will gain insights into the major shifts in perioperative nursing education, including the move towards evidence-based guidelines. The CEO shares the motivations behind this shift from traditional standards of practice, underscoring the importance of evidence-based care in improving outcomes.

Join us for an engaging and informative conversation that reflects on how periop nursing got to where it is today. Also, look out for part 2 of our discussion with Linda when we discuss the future of the profession. 

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

How to Collaborate with an ASC Governing Body

In this episode of Periop Talk, we discuss strategies for effectively working with ASC governing bodies.

Join us as we delve into the role of governing bodies in ASCs, the importance of clear communication, and the role of data-driven decision making. Our guest expert, Dr. Tamala Norris-McJunkins, shares valuable insights on:

• Understanding the Governing Body: Learn about the composition of governing bodies and their primary responsibilities.
• Effective Communication: Discover tips for conveying complex information clearly and concisely to the governing body.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Explore how to leverage data to influence decisions and drive improvements.
• Building Strong Relationships: Learn how to foster positive relationships with governing body members.

Whether you're a seasoned ASC administrator or a newcomer to the field, this episode provides practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of working with governing bodies and achieve optimal outcomes for your facility.

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube

How Periop Nurses Create a Culture of Safety (and the Business Case for Why They Make Great Leaders in a Perioperative Setting)

Perioperative nurses play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring patient safety and optimizing surgical outcomes. Their dedication to patient advocacy, attention to detail, and ability to foster a culture of collaboration make them invaluable leaders in the operating room (OR).

Nurses as Patient Advocates

At the heart of perioperative nursing is a deep commitment to patient advocacy. Nurses are the primary advocates for their patients, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the surgical process. They meticulously monitor patients' vital signs, anticipate potential complications, and communicate effectively with the surgical team to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Creating a Culture of Safety

Perioperative nurses are instrumental in creating a culture of safety within the OR. They are meticulous about following protocols, ensuring that all equipment and supplies are sterile, and verifying patient information before procedures. Additionally, nurses actively promote a "speak up" culture, encouraging team members to raise concerns if they notice any potential safety issues.

Collaboration and Communication

Effective communication and collaboration are essential for a safe and efficient OR environment. Perioperative nurses play a key role in facilitating communication among the surgical team, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that all necessary information is shared. They also act as liaisons between patients and their families, providing updates and addressing concerns.

Leadership and Innovation

Perioperative nurses often take on leadership roles within the OR, demonstrating their ability to guide and inspire their teams. They are skilled at problem-solving, identifying areas for improvement, and driving innovation. Additionally, nurses are often involved in developing and implementing new protocols and procedures to enhance patient safety and efficiency.

Financial Acumen and Business Case for Safety

Beyond their clinical expertise, perioperative nurses can also contribute to the financial health of the organization. By understanding the business aspects of healthcare, nurses can make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and advocate for investments in safety initiatives. They can also quantify the costs associated with safety incidents, demonstrating the financial benefits of prioritizing safety measures.

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to vlog and podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that'll make you feel like you're chatting with your work BFFs. Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our vlog and podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and share the periop love!

Watch us at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube