From the Editor
Welcome!
In this issue we’re testing a new format with a variety of different features. Please help us out by taking our survey to let us know what your interests are. Thanks!
Julie Lancaster, Editor
Surgical Jokes
Stress relief from laughter? Yes, no joke! Seeing we all know the facts, here are a few chuckles for you.
Recovery from Tonsils vs. Circumcision
Two little kids are in a hospital, lying on stretchers next to each other outside the operating room. The first kid leans over and asks, “What are you in here for?” The second kid says, “I’m in here to get my tonsils out and I’m a little nervous.” The first kid says, “You’ve got nothing to worry about. I had that done when I was four. They put you to sleep, and when you wake up they give you lots of Jell-O and ice cream. It’s a breeze!” The second kid then asks, “What are you here for?” The first kid says, “A circumcision.” The second kid says, “Whoa! I had that done when I was born. I couldn’t walk for a year!”
Attempt this puzzle after reading about the new advances to treat complex brain aneurysms. The puzzle will cover anatomy, pathophysiology, and new and traditional surgical procedures to treat aneurysms.
Click here for the puzzle and clues, and a link to the answers.
Surgical Breakthroughs:
An aneurysm in the brain, also called a cerebral aneurysm or an intracranial aneurysm, is a weakened area in the middle layer of the wall of a blood vessel in the brain that causes an abnormal ballooning or widening. It’s estimated that up to one in 15 people in the United States will develop a brain aneurysm in their lifetime. Aneurysms can occur in people of all ages, but are most commonly detected in those ages 50 to 60.
Click here to read the full story.
Click here to read the FDA information on this product.
Student Spotlight
Name: Tonya HedgesCredentials: RN BSN
City and State: Springfield,Illinois
Current Job: SIU (Southern Illinois University) School of Medicine, Bariatric Surgery
Student Status: Current student
Path to RNFA: I was looking for a profession that would be fulfilling to me, as well as others, and I enjoyed taking care of other people. I was looking for something that would provide job security (which it has). I received my BSN from St. John’s College of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois. Interestingly enough, the original site I attended nursing school has since been remodeled and is now the Dept. of Surgery that I currently work in. I have worked in Bariatric Surgery for 17 months. We see our patients for 3-6 months before they ever have surgery. The physician I work for is in need of a First Assist who is knowledgeable in the area of Bariatric Surgery and I am ready to take on the task.
Future Newsletters?
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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
ALL RNFAs seeking reimbursement must apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI)–a unique identification number for covered health care providers. Covered health care providers and all health plans and health care clearinghouses must use NPIs in the administrative and financial transactions adopted under HIPAA.
Your NPI is a 10-position, intelligence-free numeric identifier (10-digit number). This means that the numbers do not carry other information about you, such as the state in which you live or your medical specialty. The NPI must be used in lieu of legacy provider identifiers in the HIPAA standards transactions. As outlined in the Federal Regulation, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), covered providers must also share their NPI with other providers, health plans, clearinghouses, and any entity that may need it for billing purposes. Click here to read more.
