Dear Senator, Do You Know What “Time Out” Is?

National Time Out Day is June 13, 2018, and it is a powerful tool that supports surgical nurses’ ability to speak up for safe practices in the operating room. Initiated as an annual awareness campaign by AORN in 2004, it has been consistently supported by The Joint Commission, the World Health Organization, and the Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety (CSPS) for its ability to increase awareness of safe practices that lead to optimal outcomes for patients undergoing surgery and other invasive procedures.

Legislators are not often familiar with what happens in an operating room and as legislation comes across their desks that impacts the OR, it is crucial that they understand the role of RN Circulators. AORN has an easy-to-use advocacy tool allowing you to send a quick email to your legislator’s office about Time Out Day.

Submit a letter to your local paper to educate your community about Time Out Day, which not only enables them to become better informed patients, but also demonstrates your role in patient care and dedication to patient safety as the perioperative nurse who cares for them.

Did you know AORN’s advocacy tool for members is available year-round allowing you to not only identify your legislators, but it also makes it easy to contact them about any issue? AORN Government Affairs makes it easy for members to advocate for your patients and your profession.