MARCH 2009
In this issue ...
BREAKING NEWS
Tough times
Perioperative nurses are feeling the impact of the down economy and some are losing their jobs.
STERIS and the FDA continue discussions on the STERIS SYSTEM 1® sterile processing system, economic stimulus brings health care IT job, HHS uses micro-blog Twitter to keep public informed on health news, and more.
FROM HEADQUARTERS
Improved ways to get your periop news
AORN improves ways to share periop news.
Preparing for the future
Despite the down economy, the AORN Foundation continues supporting perioperative nurses and asks for member donations and support to continue its education, safety and other initiatives.
Congress Updates
Latest information on events, exhibits and education at AORN's 2009 Congress in Chicago, March 14-19.
FROM THE BOARD
Connecting at Congress
AORN President Susan Banschbach encourages members attending Congress and those staying behind to connect with colleagues.
IN FOCUS
Q & A: Improving efficiency in a down economy
Steve Alley, director in perioperative and anesthesia services at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, talks to AORN Connections about the challenges and the opportunities for success that come from restructuring and a tough economy.
SPECIALTY ASSEMBLIES
Count sheets, indicators on the agenda for SA update meeting at Congress
Members of the Sterile Processing/Materials Management SA share some of the hot topics they will be discussing at their SA update meeting at Congress, including count sheets, indicators, TASS and certification of central service staff.
MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Promoting green thinking for blue wrap
After working in the perioperative setting and seeing how much waste is produced in a day, Diana McCully and Jennifer Ogden established a blue wrap recycling program at their facility.
FROM THE FIELD
A definitive breed of nurses
An AORN member shares how an incident with a retained sponge helped her realize her surgical conscience.
Visit AORN's news archive to read past stories in AORN Connections and AORN Management Connections.