NIFA In-House News
NIFA is a company full of animal lovers and there was a time when employees were encouraged to bring their dogs to work at NIFA’s home office near Denver. We were a much smaller company then; having multiple animals around now would be problematic.
But recently little Lola, the Chihuahua-Rat Terrier mix who lives with Student Support Specialist Nancy Foust, got a reprieve. The diminutive and well-behaved Lola has been given special dispensation to accompany Nancy on work days and spends many happy hours in her little bed in Nancy’s office.
Surgical News
Using eye tracking, Oculogica has created a non-invasive tool for detecting concussions. Over 2.5 million head injuries make their way annually to the ER in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this could potentially save lives and brain cells. Read more . . .
photo: Oculogica.com
Football isn’t the only sport that has a history of hits to the head. Hockey has its share of bonks to the noggin as well. Researchers have been using a brainwave monitoring system on players to point out undiagnosed impairments due to brain injuries. Read more . . .
photo: MedicalExpress.com
Decompressive Craniectomy
Not many surgical options are available for non-penetrating TBIs, but one procedure is commonly used when swelling of the brain is likely to cause further injury: decompressive craniectomy / craniotomy, in which a portion of the skull is temporarily removed. Here are two articles: one about the procedure and another about its effectiveness in the long term.
Videos
Bilateral Frontotemporal Decompressive Craniectomy (Kjellberg Procedure) – In this AANS (American Association of Neurological Surgeons) video, faculty from the Columbia University Medical Center Department of Neurological Surgery lead the viewer through a step-by-step rundown on the procedure.
Watch video . . .
The Canadian Concussion Centre Workshop Night 1 – An in-depth presentation about the results of and treatments for concussion.
Watch video . . .
Pneumatic Tourniquet Crossword Puzzle
Test your knowledge of Pneumatic Tourniquet procedures with this month’s all-new crossword puzzle.
When you’re ready to check your answers, follow this link to see how well you did. Good luck!
Graduate Spotlight: Anne Foster
Name: Anne Foster
Credentials: RN, CNOR, RNFA
Student Status: Graduated from NIFA’s RNFA program in July 2018
City: Nashville, TN
Current Position:
RN,CNOR – St Thomas West Hospital, TN
Where did you get your RN degree?
Florida, Broward College
How did you come to choose perioperative nursing?
At first, the hours fit my family’s needs best, but I came to love the work and wouldn’t do anything else.
What is the funniest or scariest moment you’ve ever seen at the table?
The best stories are not suitable in a public forum (grin & wink).
What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA this week that you will use for life?
Buried subcuticular knot
How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career?
I know it will make me more versatile and marketable.
NIFA – Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Friday, 8:00am – 3:00pm
Practice Resources
Here 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
RNFA Scope of Practice by State (PDF)
ACS List of Cases that Require an Assistant at Surgery, 2018 (PDF)
Perioperative Nurse Links (state nursing boards & professional associations)
APRN Nurse Links
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.
