FROM THE BOARD
Embracing our core values
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Jane Kusler-Jensen RN, BSN, MBA, CNOR, FABC AORN Board of Directors |
This month the 2008 Olympics will begin in China. As a showcase of people from around the world who have exceptional athletic abilities, this international event is symbolized by the five different colored rings of the Olympic logo.
This logo is one that perioperative nurses can embrace. The intertwining circles can remind of us of the overlapping teamwork necessary for us to provide safe care for our patients. Let these circles represent the five C's-core competencies necessary for effective teamwork-including communication, multidisciplinary cooperation, a high degree of collegiality, and coordination of care necessary for our patients. All of which are provided with true caring by us, perioperative nurses.
Communication is displayed through our formal means (standardized processes utilized in hand-off communication) and informal means through an informational conversation. Cooperation is shown through respect of the discipline from which each of us brings talent to the perioperative environment. Collegiality allows for an understanding of each other to direct care in the best interest of the patient. Coordination of care is what perioperative nurses demonstrate daily either in the procedural rooms or in the pre- and post-procedural areas to offer the best care to the patient by individualizing the plan of care. True Caring is giving our patients a kind smile, or holding their hand to provide comfort and ease their anxiety.
May all perioperative nurses demonstrate these competencies every moment of every day so that our work is as flawless and efficient as a relay team's in an Olympic competition.
Jane Kusler-Jensen, RN, BSN, MBA, CNOR, FABC
AORN Board of Directors