Announcements
Early-Bird Registration Deadline: January 26, 2009
Related Links
Daily Congress Schedule - Tuesday, March 17, 2009
7 am - 5 pm
Poster Display Sessions
8 - 9:30 am
First House of Delegates
Join us as we share and vote on the official business of the Association, including items discussed at the First Forum. Parliamentary procedure is followed. All Delegates are required to attend and join their colleagues in reserved sections for their state. Roll call will be taken to determine if a quorum is present. Only Delegates are eligible to vote. Contact Hours may be awarded based on content.
Concurrent Education Sessions
8 – 9:30 am
Head over Heel: Prevention of Heel Pressure Ulcers in the OR
Suzy Scott-Williams, RN, MSN, CWOCN
Session 2416, 1.5 CH, Track: C +
Reports indicate that surgical patients account for 42% of all hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (PUs), and the most common location is the heel. Reports from two studies in the OR (Lingren, Scott-Williams) have the incidence of heel ulcers as 52.9% and 52% of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers respectively. Heel PUs are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Other effects include increased length of stay, associated wound care costs, litigation, and reduced reimbursement for avoidable PUs. Certain surgical procedures, anesthesia, and devices can compound this risk in the OR. This presentation will illustrate patient assessment, contributing factors, and the role of the perioperative nurse in preventing PUs.
Advances in Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Hugh McPherson, MD
Session 2417, 1.5 CH, Track: C +
Don’t miss this dynamic presenter on the Advances of Orthopedic Spine Surgery! Discussion will include the technological advances along with the latest approaches, from the simple to the most complex, of surgical spine interventions, and the latest trends linked to the specialty of orthopedic spine surgery. This subject matter expert will facilitate a dynamic program geared to enhance your clinical knowledge base and provide you with a thorough update. Share what you gain during this session with your colleagues and teach your patients about the multiple modalities in orthopedic spine surgery.
Safety as a Leader’s First Promise: Leadership Strategies for Patient Safety Improvement
Sharon S. Dunn, RN, BSN, MAS
Session 2418, 1.5 CH, Track: L/M +
Health care leaders operate in a unique, complex environment. For innovative leaders, the path to achieving success and improving performance rests in the culture, habits, and behaviors of their workforce. Many of the world’s leading corporations have sought to understand and manage performance by applying the principles of organizational safety. Institutions applying these methods carry the potential for improved patient safety, enhanced delivery of care, and a better bottom line. In this session, the presenter will draw on years of experience working with some of the world’s
most recognized companies to provide an introduction to the principles and methods of organizational safety and show how these strategic elements can be applied to achieve sustainable culture and behavior change in health care settings.
OR + SPD = QUALITY
Mary Cay Curran, RN, MSN, CAPA; Linda George, RN, CNOR; Alvin L Adams, BS, CRCST
Session 2419, 1.5 CH, Track: L/M +
A collaborative relationship between the Operating Room and the Sterile Processing Department is essential to efficiency
and patient safety in Perioperative Services. Through the initiation of multiple staff driven quality teams, the OR staff and
interdepartmental relationships improved. Teams concentrated on process and workfl ow. These initiatives resulted in marked process improvements which were implemented throughout all perioperative settings in the Christiana Care Health Systems.
A Shared Governance Model Spawned By Searing Employee Surveys
Reuben DeKastle, RN, BN, MSHA, CNOR; Melanie Farnsworth, RN
Session 2420 (Will be repeated in Session 2471 on Thursday), 1.5 CH, Track: L/M
Motivated by searing employee surveys, an OR leadership team explored a Shared Governance Model. A dozen teams now led by staff captains have made incredible strides towards staffled decisions, educational programs and the accompanying job satisfaction and positive morale. Employee opinion surveys have displayed another measureable result. This positive experience will be given as a model for participants to consider and adapt within their environment.
Target Zero: Reducing Cardiac SSIs
Elizabeth C. Parsons, RN, MSN, CNOR
Session 2421, 1.5 CH, Track: C +
In 2002, our baseline deep sternal SSI rate was 2% to 3%. There was wide practice variation among our four cardiac surgery teams and limited communication among teams and other caregivers. A common cause for the high infection rate could not be identified. A multidisciplinary team was assembled with the task of reducing infection rates. The team reviewed all pre-, intra-, and postoperative care processes for cardiovascular surgery patients; flowcharted each process; reviewed best practices; and recommended standardized processes. Our results are a deep sternal SSI rate well below the CDC benchmark of 1%. From September 2007 to March 2008, we had only one deep sternal SSI.
Managing Change when Implementing a Perioperative Information System
Jon Correia, RN, BSN, BS, MBA, MHA, CNOR
Session 2422, 1.5 CH, Track: I +
Implementing a perioperative information system is more than software installation. It fundamentally changes how perioperative departments function. Using real-life examples, this presentation addresses change management best practices for implementing an Operating Room Information System (ORIS).
Changing OR Culture One Step at a Time
Patricia Bechtel Cady, RN, BSN, CNOR, ONC
Session 2423, 1.5 CH, Track: P +
Miscommunication has been the #1 root cause of sentinel events in the past 10 years according to the Joint Commission. This session will describe ways to increase communication by changing the OR culture. The focus will be on how to incorporate briefing and debriefing into your surgical practice.
It IS Easy to Be Green!
Geri Falacy, RN, BSN
Session 2424, 1.5 CH, Track: P
Historically, the OR has been one of the largest contributors of waste in the hospital setting. In order to start a comprehensive recycling program in an OR, staff and management must collaborate with facility environmental services along with community recycling and waste management businesses. These discussions need to encompass the types and amounts of materials discarded, needed space requirements, program costs/savings, and procedures required to safely manage the process. Once the scope of the recycling program is defi ned, “green” presentations are made to encourage the OR staff’s participation to maximize the impact and benefi ts of the program.
Impaired Practice: A Professional Issue
Rebecca Heck RN, BSN, MPH; Jackie Westhoven, RN, CEAP, CARN, EAP
Session 2425, 1.5 CH, Track: P +
This presentation will discuss the impact and address the prevalence and consequences of substance use and abuse in
health care settings. The presentation will include identification of risk factors and signs and symptoms of substance abuse specific to the health care worker. The speakers also will discuss intervention, treatment, and identifi cation of resources for health care workers and their supervisors that would support the worker’s return to work.
Size Doesn’t Matter When It Comes to Sterilization: A Primer on the Care and Handling of Microsurgical Instrumentation
Barbara Harmer, RN, BSN, MHA
Session 2426, 1.5 CH, Track: A +
The sterilization process and methods used in the decontamination, cleaning, preparation and sterilization of microsurgical instrumentation will be will be explored in this presentation. Whether an experienced clinician or novice, this review will be helpful and applicable in all surgical settings.
Managers' Program - Morning
10 – 11:30 am
Future Directions in Perioperative Safety
Mark Warner, MD
Session 2427, 1.5 CH, Track: L/MO +
Changing demographics will provide challenges for improvements in patient safety. Fortunately, advances in technology,
pharmaceuticals, education, and teamwork will help us meet these challenges and create opportunities for better care and happier patients and families.
Creating a High-Performing Culture
Judith Pins, RN, BSN, MBA
Session 2428, 1.5 CH, Track: L/MWF +
The aim of this session is to provide information on best HR practices for engaging top talent from day one. The focus is
on how Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield, Michigan, is implementing strategies to create a culture of high performance. The expert speaker will share how one hospital is using their talent selection process as well as their onboarding process to reinforce a strong culture. This session will describe the importance of talent selection, onboarding, orientation, performance management, goal setting, and leadership training in embedding a winning culture.
Also attend the afternoon session by Ms. Pins to learn about the four fi lters of service excellence.
10 am – 3 pm
Exhibit Hall Opens - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Join the AORN Board and the AORN President Susan Banschbach for the exciting opening of the Congress 2009 Exhibit Hall; a gateway to new technology, innovation, and new career opportunities. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be performed at each Exhibit Floor entrance door.
Managers' Program - Afternoon
1:30 – 3 pm
Addressing Disruptive Staff —The No-Alpha Hotel Rule
Keith E. Essen, RN, MSN, MSS, CNOR
Session 2429, 1.5 CH, Track: L/MO
Drawing from the literature related to bullying in the workplace and Dr. Sutton’s book, The No A*......... Rule, this presentation will address characteristics of the disruptive employee and strategies to address the problem including a framework for sequenced confrontation. The business case also will be presented as to why this issue must be addressed. Additionally, time will be spent discussing the Joint Commission requirements in addressing the disruptive staff member (eg, bullies, tormentors, despots, and unconstrained egomaniacs).
Competing on Service Excellence
Judy Pins, RN, BSN, MBA
Session 2430, 1.5 CH, Track: L/MWF +
This session will add more information to the “Creating a High-Performing Culture” presentation by Ms. Pins during the morning Managers’ Program. Learn about the “four fi lters of service excellence”: safety, care and compassion, creating a memorable experience, and efficiency. All staff members at Henry Ford Hospital are being trained in these fi lters in order to offer service excellence to their patients.
3:30 - 5 pm
Jerry G. Peers Lectureship - CONNECT: Building Success through People, Purpose & Performance
Session 2431, Speaker: Keith Harrell +
5:15 - 6:30 pm
Managers’ Reception
Get together with your colleagues who understand your challenges.
8 pm - Midnight
Nurse/Exhibitor Night: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Traditional Chicago Style – Enjoy the Taste of Chicago!
An exciting evening event highlighting one of Ireland’s oldest holidays and patron saints, St. Patrick. This entertaining evening will allow attendees and exhibitors to join together and mingle at a special venue featuring traditional Chicago-type finger foods, Chicago’s famous The Second City entertainment ensemble, and a special band with songs that will make this evening even more exceptional.
Poster Display Sessions
8 - 9:30 am
First House of Delegates
Join us as we share and vote on the official business of the Association, including items discussed at the First Forum. Parliamentary procedure is followed. All Delegates are required to attend and join their colleagues in reserved sections for their state. Roll call will be taken to determine if a quorum is present. Only Delegates are eligible to vote. Contact Hours may be awarded based on content.
Concurrent Education Sessions
8 – 9:30 am
Head over Heel: Prevention of Heel Pressure Ulcers in the OR
Suzy Scott-Williams, RN, MSN, CWOCN
Session 2416, 1.5 CH, Track: C +
Reports indicate that surgical patients account for 42% of all hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (PUs), and the most common location is the heel. Reports from two studies in the OR (Lingren, Scott-Williams) have the incidence of heel ulcers as 52.9% and 52% of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers respectively. Heel PUs are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Other effects include increased length of stay, associated wound care costs, litigation, and reduced reimbursement for avoidable PUs. Certain surgical procedures, anesthesia, and devices can compound this risk in the OR. This presentation will illustrate patient assessment, contributing factors, and the role of the perioperative nurse in preventing PUs.
Advances in Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Hugh McPherson, MD
Session 2417, 1.5 CH, Track: C +
Don’t miss this dynamic presenter on the Advances of Orthopedic Spine Surgery! Discussion will include the technological advances along with the latest approaches, from the simple to the most complex, of surgical spine interventions, and the latest trends linked to the specialty of orthopedic spine surgery. This subject matter expert will facilitate a dynamic program geared to enhance your clinical knowledge base and provide you with a thorough update. Share what you gain during this session with your colleagues and teach your patients about the multiple modalities in orthopedic spine surgery.
Safety as a Leader’s First Promise: Leadership Strategies for Patient Safety Improvement
Sharon S. Dunn, RN, BSN, MAS
Session 2418, 1.5 CH, Track: L/M + Health care leaders operate in a unique, complex environment. For innovative leaders, the path to achieving success and improving performance rests in the culture, habits, and behaviors of their workforce. Many of the world’s leading corporations have sought to understand and manage performance by applying the principles of organizational safety. Institutions applying these methods carry the potential for improved patient safety, enhanced delivery of care, and a better bottom line. In this session, the presenter will draw on years of experience working with some of the world’s
most recognized companies to provide an introduction to the principles and methods of organizational safety and show how these strategic elements can be applied to achieve sustainable culture and behavior change in health care settings.
OR + SPD = QUALITY
Mary Cay Curran, RN, MSN, CAPA; Linda George, RN, CNOR; Alvin L Adams, BS, CRCST
Session 2419, 1.5 CH, Track: L/M +
A collaborative relationship between the Operating Room and the Sterile Processing Department is essential to efficiency
and patient safety in Perioperative Services. Through the initiation of multiple staff driven quality teams, the OR staff and
interdepartmental relationships improved. Teams concentrated on process and workfl ow. These initiatives resulted in marked process improvements which were implemented throughout all perioperative settings in the Christiana Care Health Systems.
A Shared Governance Model Spawned By Searing Employee Surveys
Reuben DeKastle, RN, BN, MSHA, CNOR; Melanie Farnsworth, RN
Session 2420 (Will be repeated in Session 2471 on Thursday), 1.5 CH, Track: L/M
Motivated by searing employee surveys, an OR leadership team explored a Shared Governance Model. A dozen teams now led by staff captains have made incredible strides towards staffled decisions, educational programs and the accompanying job satisfaction and positive morale. Employee opinion surveys have displayed another measureable result. This positive experience will be given as a model for participants to consider and adapt within their environment.
Target Zero: Reducing Cardiac SSIs
Elizabeth C. Parsons, RN, MSN, CNOR
Session 2421, 1.5 CH, Track: C + In 2002, our baseline deep sternal SSI rate was 2% to 3%. There was wide practice variation among our four cardiac surgery teams and limited communication among teams and other caregivers. A common cause for the high infection rate could not be identified. A multidisciplinary team was assembled with the task of reducing infection rates. The team reviewed all pre-, intra-, and postoperative care processes for cardiovascular surgery patients; flowcharted each process; reviewed best practices; and recommended standardized processes. Our results are a deep sternal SSI rate well below the CDC benchmark of 1%. From September 2007 to March 2008, we had only one deep sternal SSI.
Managing Change when Implementing a Perioperative Information System
Jon Correia, RN, BSN, BS, MBA, MHA, CNOR
Session 2422, 1.5 CH, Track: I +
Implementing a perioperative information system is more than software installation. It fundamentally changes how perioperative departments function. Using real-life examples, this presentation addresses change management best practices for implementing an Operating Room Information System (ORIS).
Changing OR Culture One Step at a Time
Patricia Bechtel Cady, RN, BSN, CNOR, ONC
Session 2423, 1.5 CH, Track: P +
Miscommunication has been the #1 root cause of sentinel events in the past 10 years according to the Joint Commission. This session will describe ways to increase communication by changing the OR culture. The focus will be on how to incorporate briefing and debriefing into your surgical practice.
It IS Easy to Be Green!
Geri Falacy, RN, BSN
Session 2424, 1.5 CH, Track: P
Historically, the OR has been one of the largest contributors of waste in the hospital setting. In order to start a comprehensive recycling program in an OR, staff and management must collaborate with facility environmental services along with community recycling and waste management businesses. These discussions need to encompass the types and amounts of materials discarded, needed space requirements, program costs/savings, and procedures required to safely manage the process. Once the scope of the recycling program is defi ned, “green” presentations are made to encourage the OR staff’s participation to maximize the impact and benefi ts of the program.
Impaired Practice: A Professional Issue
Rebecca Heck RN, BSN, MPH; Jackie Westhoven, RN, CEAP, CARN, EAP
Session 2425, 1.5 CH, Track: P +
This presentation will discuss the impact and address the prevalence and consequences of substance use and abuse in
health care settings. The presentation will include identification of risk factors and signs and symptoms of substance abuse specific to the health care worker. The speakers also will discuss intervention, treatment, and identifi cation of resources for health care workers and their supervisors that would support the worker’s return to work.
Size Doesn’t Matter When It Comes to Sterilization: A Primer on the Care and Handling of Microsurgical Instrumentation
Barbara Harmer, RN, BSN, MHA
Session 2426, 1.5 CH, Track: A +
The sterilization process and methods used in the decontamination, cleaning, preparation and sterilization of microsurgical instrumentation will be will be explored in this presentation. Whether an experienced clinician or novice, this review will be helpful and applicable in all surgical settings.
Managers' Program - Morning
10 – 11:30 am
Future Directions in Perioperative Safety
Mark Warner, MD
Session 2427, 1.5 CH, Track: L/MO +
Changing demographics will provide challenges for improvements in patient safety. Fortunately, advances in technology,
pharmaceuticals, education, and teamwork will help us meet these challenges and create opportunities for better care and happier patients and families.
Creating a High-Performing Culture
Judith Pins, RN, BSN, MBA
Session 2428, 1.5 CH, Track: L/MWF +
The aim of this session is to provide information on best HR practices for engaging top talent from day one. The focus is
on how Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield, Michigan, is implementing strategies to create a culture of high performance. The expert speaker will share how one hospital is using their talent selection process as well as their onboarding process to reinforce a strong culture. This session will describe the importance of talent selection, onboarding, orientation, performance management, goal setting, and leadership training in embedding a winning culture.
Also attend the afternoon session by Ms. Pins to learn about the four fi lters of service excellence.
10 am – 3 pm
Exhibit Hall Opens - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Join the AORN Board and the AORN President Susan Banschbach for the exciting opening of the Congress 2009 Exhibit Hall; a gateway to new technology, innovation, and new career opportunities. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be performed at each Exhibit Floor entrance door.
Managers' Program - Afternoon
1:30 – 3 pm
Addressing Disruptive Staff —The No-Alpha Hotel Rule
Keith E. Essen, RN, MSN, MSS, CNOR
Session 2429, 1.5 CH, Track: L/MO
Drawing from the literature related to bullying in the workplace and Dr. Sutton’s book, The No A*......... Rule, this presentation will address characteristics of the disruptive employee and strategies to address the problem including a framework for sequenced confrontation. The business case also will be presented as to why this issue must be addressed. Additionally, time will be spent discussing the Joint Commission requirements in addressing the disruptive staff member (eg, bullies, tormentors, despots, and unconstrained egomaniacs).
Competing on Service Excellence
Judy Pins, RN, BSN, MBA
Session 2430, 1.5 CH, Track: L/MWF +
This session will add more information to the “Creating a High-Performing Culture” presentation by Ms. Pins during the morning Managers’ Program. Learn about the “four fi lters of service excellence”: safety, care and compassion, creating a memorable experience, and efficiency. All staff members at Henry Ford Hospital are being trained in these fi lters in order to offer service excellence to their patients.
3:30 - 5 pm
Jerry G. Peers Lectureship - CONNECT: Building Success through People, Purpose & Performance
Session 2431, Speaker: Keith Harrell +
5:15 - 6:30 pm
Managers’ Reception
Get together with your colleagues who understand your challenges.
8 pm - Midnight
Nurse/Exhibitor Night: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Traditional Chicago Style – Enjoy the Taste of Chicago!
An exciting evening event highlighting one of Ireland’s oldest holidays and patron saints, St. Patrick. This entertaining evening will allow attendees and exhibitors to join together and mingle at a special venue featuring traditional Chicago-type finger foods, Chicago’s famous The Second City entertainment ensemble, and a special band with songs that will make this evening even more exceptional.