Videos
Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele
Jason Chu, MD, an assistant professor of clinical neurological surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, discusses fetal surgery for the repair of myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida, including novel surgical techniques designed to improve patient outcomes.
Watch video . . .
Brainstem Tumor – Infratentorial Supracerebellar–Telovelar Transventric Approach
A surgery conducted on a 7-year-old girl by Guillermo Aldave, MD, PhD, from Texas Children’s Hospital.
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Resection of Pediatric Chordoma
Stanford neurosurgeon, Dr. Juan Fernandez Miranda, pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. David Hong, and Head & Neck surgeon, Dr. Peter Hwang, resect a pediatric chordoma that has invaded the brainstem. Narrated by Dr. Juan C. Fernandez-Miranda, Surgical Director of Stanford’s Brain Tumor, Skull Base, and Pituitary Centers.
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Student Spotlight: Chelsea Shepherd
Credentials
FNP-C
Student Status
Currently working through internship portion of NIFA’s RNFA program
City & State
Memphis, TN
Current Position
Neurosurgery FNP & First Assist
Where did you get your RN degree?
Delta State University, Cleveland, MS
How did you come to choose perioperative nursing?
I enjoy the multifaceted approach to advanced practice nurses being utilized in the OR. It is like having three jobs in one. I enjoy the time I spend with patients in the clinic and hospital. But I really thrive in the OR. Surgery brings together two of my greatest passions—Art and Science.
What is a memorable moment you’ve had at the table?
Being told I was “too green” to assist a particular neurosurgeon, and then being scheduled on a 6-hour case with him the very next morning. He announced, “Great job, Chelsea,” when the case was complete. Everyone in the room was surprised. The surgeon’s PA was in the room by that point and jokingly said that he has never received a “good job” after a case.
What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA that you will use for life?
Continuous subcuticular suture. I am looking forward to providing this technique to my patients for a more aesthetically pleasing closure.
How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career?
I have increased confidence in the OR as a result of this course. Because nursing is a reflection of who I am as a person, this confidence will naturally flow over into my day-to-day life.
Jobs Front
Click here for the RNFA job postings we’ve collected for you this month.
NIFA – Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Practice Resources
Here are several of the most-in-demand sites for our students, prospective students and grads:
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.
It’s Neurosurgery awareness month, as sponsored by the 