News
On November 2, the FDA approved the controversial drug sufentanil (Dsuvia) to be used in health care settings only. Sufentanil is approximately 10 times as strong as fentanyl, one of the leading causes of overdose in America.
The World Health Organization Surgical Checklist has been in place for 10 years now. Has it been effective?
“Team-based approaches to the checklist accompanied by other institutional support have demonstrated double-digit reductions in mortality,” reported Atul Gawande, MD, MPH, FACS, according to an article by Andrew D. Bowser in ACS Surgery News. “While in contrast, a mandate-only approach resulted in a 0% change.” These results have implications for for creating change in organizations generally. Read more . . .
The Diabetic Patient in the Perioperative Setting
Management of glycemic levels during surgery is critical, especially in diabetic patients. Each stage of surgery presents unique challenges in keeping glucose levels within target range. The following two articles provide valuable insights into this process:
From Surgery Research and Practice (2015). Read more . . .
From Health Service Insights (2017). Read more . . .
Videos
An animated video that illustrates the way insulin is normally produced in the body and how its production is destroyed in type 1 diabetes. Watch video . . .
Kahn Academy, in partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, offers an entire course on how the blood glucose cycle works. This video is focused on Type 2 Diabetes and its treatment.Watch video . . .
Postoperative Patient Care Crossword Puzzle
Test your knowledge of Postoperative Patient Care 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!
Student Spotlight: Lisse Daugaard-Gordon
Credentials
FNP-C
City & State
Sonora, CA
Current Position
NP for Adventist Health Sonora
Where did you get your RN degree?
Colorado—Denver School of Nursing (BSN)
Univ. of Colorado, Colorado Springs (FNP & MSN)
Duke University (post-grad in ortho)
How did you come to choose perioperative nursing?
It was part of my current job, and I received training when I started.
What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA this week that you will use for life?
Different ways to close portal holes, and close skin under tension.
How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career?
Make me more marketable if I change jobs. Give me more confidence and knowledge.
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.
