April 2018 • Volume 11, No. 4
From the Editor
We’ve dedicated this issue to liver transplantation for two reasons. First, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) has designated April as Alcohol Awareness Month. Although heavy drinking takes a toll on many parts of the body—brain, heart, pancreas and the immune system—and can increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers, it is especially well known for its effects on the liver, and sometimes the only treatment is a liver transplant. (Of course, many non-alcohol-related diseases can also impair or destroy liver function to the point where a liver transplant is required.) In addition to April being Alcohol Awareness Month, April 18 was Transplant Nurse’s Day. Did you know that an International Transplant Nurses Society even exists? The society has an educational mission and also runs a foundation that awards grants and scholarships for leadership and for research on transplant-related issues. In this issue, you’ll find news and other resources about liver transplants, including an all-new crossword puzzle. Our Student in the Spotlight is Taylor Williams, RN, CCRN, CNOR, of Ft. Worth, TX. Below you’ll also find jobs we’ve collected for you, along with NIFA’s favorite links. Enjoy!
News
Videos
Liver Transplantation Crossword Puzzle
When you’re ready to check your answers, follow this link to see how well you did. Good luck!
Student Spotlight: Taylor Williams
What is the funniest moment you’ve ever seen at the table? Once while doing a rectal exam under anesthesia with one of my favorite residents, we of course had music playing. When “You’re My Brown-eyed Girl” by Van Morrison came over the speakers we all started chuckling. Perfect timing. What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA this week that you will use for life? I’m definitely going to use the techniques I learned about the subcuticular stitch in all of my cases. This technique makes for a very pretty incision. How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career? I think it’s going to be very rewarding. As a circulator, I love making sure my surgeons are set up for success, so I know I am going to go above and beyond for them in this role. What patients see and care about is how their incisions look. I’m excited to help my patients have the best incision closures. Jobs FrontClick here for the RNFA job postings we’ve collected for you this month. NIFA – Office HoursMonday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm Practice ResourcesHere are several of the most-in-demand sites for our students, prospective students and grads: ACS Surgery News: Specialty News and Commentaries, Videos and More Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of NIFA. NIFA does not give any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy of statements made by our contributors and does not accept any liability for error or omission. It is the responsibility of all perioperative personnel to work within and adhere to their facility bylaws and individual scope of practice. |
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