From the Editor
This month, we ask for your input on the new AORN position statements regarding the first assisting role.
Read on for a bouquet of resources about DVT – deep vein thrombosis, including a crossword puzzle to test your knowledge.And in our first Student Spotlight to feature a Canadian, we’re pleased to present Sue Berlinguette, who attended this month’s SutureStar Summit in Denver.
Enjoy!
Julie Lancaster, Editor
Changes in AORN’s Position Statements Regarding the First Assisting Role
The Association of PeriOperative Nurses is revising its Position Statement on Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practicing in the Perioperative Setting.
Would you please review the DRAFT and send us your feedback at [email protected]?
AORN has also revised the Position Statement on RN First Assistants. Go to AORN’s Position Statement page and click on the link for RN First Assistants.
Surgical News: Deep Vein Thrombosis
The AORN released new recommended practices for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in the 2012 edition of the Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. Your operating room should have a copy of the latest edition. Be sure to read this!
Learn More about DVT
If you would like to read more about deep vein thrombosis, check out these links to articles from the Vascular Disease Foundation and news-medical.net.

Test your knowledge of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) with this month’s crossword puzzle.
Click here for the puzzle clues and here for the answers.
Available from iTunes.

Credentials: RN with CPN (equivalent to CNOR)
Student Status: Current student in NIFA’s RNFA program
City and State: Toronto, Canada
Current Employer: I’m currently working in a small community hospital outside Toronto where the demand for first assistants is big.Career path so far: I graduated in 1982, a long time ago . . . and for a 21-year-old I really wanted to travel and I knew nursing would give me the flexibility to do that. I’ve spent all of my years in the OR from large teaching hospitals to a management position in New Zealand.On deciding to become an RNFA: It seemed a natural progression for me at this time. I would like to take my RNFA to do some volunteer work with Medecins Sans Frontieres in the future.

Questions?
Do you have questions about implementing an RNFA team or becoming an RNFA?
Try the following links. If you do not find the answers you need, please call us at 1-800-922-7747. We would be happy to discuss any questions you may have and discuss the benefits of having an RNFA team–you will please staff, surgeons and administrators!
Prerequisites for becoming an RNFA
NIFA Office Hours
Surgical Jokes