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The Stitch is a monthly newsletter for nurses in their early perioperative years who want bite-sized, guideline-aligned insights to sharpen clinical judgment, build confidence, and grow their careers in the OR.
In 2026, The Stitch moved into Periop Corner, AORN’s member community, so readers can connect, ask questions, and keep the conversation going. Curious about what’s new? Sign up to receive The Stitch each month and see how it’s evolved.
Below, you’ll find articles from our past issues—free to explore.
Taking responsibility for an entire service line can be a daunting endeavor. This article provides eight tips for perioperative nurses to set themselves up for success as a service line lead.
Nursing has been recognized as the most trusted profession with the highest ethical standards for 22 consecutive years as of 2023. This professional advice emphasizes the importance of the concept "Own Your Zone" in nursing practice, particularly in the operating room (OR) setting, highlighting responsibility, accountability, and pride in work.
A new nurse asks for advice about the history and physical (H&P).
Reflecting on the journey of a Periop 101 nursing cohort, this article highlights the transformation from novice to confident perioperative nurses, emphasizing the role of leadership and teaching strategies in fostering professional growth and resilience.
Effective management of surgical patients transferred from inpatient units requires careful preparation and awareness of unique challenges. Nurses must anticipate variations in patient conditions, medical devices, and hand-off procedures to ensure safety and smooth workflow in the operating room.
One of the most exciting and controversial innovations currently being explored in the OR is the use of "black box" technology. Inspired by aviation's flight recorders, this sophisticated system of sensors and software,not a physical box, captures data with the goal of minimizing risks and improving team performance and patient outcomes.
Nursing engagement is not dependent on years of experience but is driven by intrinsic motivators that inspire commitment and improvement in patient care. Nurses at any stage can be involved and contribute meaningfully to their workplace and profession by engaging in various activities and professional organizations.
The nursing profession, while deeply rewarding, is fraught with unique stressors that can significantly impact mental health and well-being. This article aims to provide an overview of the problem, highlight key risk factors, and outline actionable prevention steps.
Meet Sarah, a new perioperative nurse beginning her first service line rotation at a large academic medical center. Sarah is empathetic, driven, and passionate about nursing. However, as she transitioned into the role of primary nurse under her preceptor, she began to experience intense anxiety. Her fears centered around the possibility of contaminating the sterile field, miscounting instruments, and retaining a surgical item.
Test your general perioperative knowledge with this crossword puzzle.
