From the Editor
Once a year we take a break from the seriousness of surgery and bring you something a little more, shall we say, blood-curdling? Welcome to the Halloween edition!
Did you know that there is an actual psychological condition defined for phobia of Halloween? It’s called Samhainophobia–a name that goes back to the ancient Celts. Read about it here!
Read on for medical mysteries, Halloween treats, haunted hospitals and more.
Our student in the spotlight is Jamie Bivin, RN, from Pagosa Springs, CO.
And scroll on down for the latest RNFA job offerings and NIFA’s favorite links.
By the way, this is our 20th year of formal RNFA training. Happy Birthday to us!
News
Medical Mysteries
Patients present minor symptoms like food positioning, a cough or foot pain, but the actual cause of these ailments is startling. Each story in this collection from The Washington Post guides you through a mystifying sequence of events that lead to a diagnosis. Read more…
Plastic Surgery Palmistry
Feeling lucky? If not, you can have Japanese doctor, Takaaki Matsuoka, extend the money line or love line on your palm. Some of his patients get married and some win the lottery but Nala Saraswati, a palm reader in Portland, calls it “quackery.” Read more…
Halloween Treats
Add some fright and delight your Halloween party with these terrifying treats!
Haunted Hospitals and Ghost Stories from Nurses
Nurse Ghost Stories
A lot of unsettling things can happen in hospitals, but these nurses’ stories of call button alerts for rooms with no patient and tales of possession are truly spooky.
Read more…
Horrifying Hospitals
Most hospitals have a long proud history; these institutions are better known for their infamous lobotomy procedure and satanic rituals. Paging Dr. Frankenstein?
Read more…
Hospital Horror Films:
Top 10 Creepiest Hospital Movies
These scary movies are full of horrifying experiments, possessed nurses and ancient burial grounds. No wonder so many people are afraid of hospitals, doctors and dentists.
Read more…
Halloween Costumes
Eat your heart out! These costumes are a no-brainer (literally) for Halloween or a uniform party. See more costumes…
In the Spotlight
Name: Jamie Bivin
Credentials: RN
City: Pagosa Springs, CO
Current Position: OR assist
Where did you get your RN degree?
Eastern Oklahoma State College
How did you come to choose perioperative nursing?
I like procedural nursing. Moved to Pagosa and was hired as circulator.
What is the funniest or scariest moment you’ve ever seen at the table?
One of our scrub techs yells “Boo yaa” when the gall bladder pops out of the umbilicus. It’s always an anticipated moment and you are ridiculed if you don’t yell something creative.
What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA this week that you will use for life?
One-handed double surgeon’s knot, subcuticular stitch.
How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career?
I will be better prepared to assist, I will be confident in my knot tying and assisting skills.
Job Front
Click here for the RNFA job postings we’ve collected for you this month.
NIFA – NEW Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
Practice ResourcesHere 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
AORN Legislative Map: What’s Happening in My State
RNFA Scope of Practice by State (PDF)
ACS List of Cases that Require an Assistant at Surgery (PDF)
AORN Perioperative Bookstore
Perioperative Nurse Links (state nursing boards & professional associations