Every year in October, we turn our gaze from the serious business of surgery to the realm of the spooky, the creepy and the weird. Welcome to the Halloween edition!
Read on for medical urban legends, Halloween blood drive, and more.
Our student in the spotlight is Kerri Stevenson, NP, MN, CWOCN, from San Jose, AC.
Scroll down for jobs we’ve collected for you and NIFA’s favorite links.
Enjoy!
News
Halloween Costumes and Head Lice
“Scratching your head trying to find the perfect Halloween costume? It may be your costume that’s making you itch ? from head lice,” writes David Moye in the Huffington Post. Multiple people may have tried on a costume in a store before you or your child get to it. Moye provides tips for cutting down the risk of exposure.
Read more…
Medical Urban Legends – True or False?
Does a Walt Disney World Attraction Help People Pass Kidney Stones?
Dr. David Wartinger of Michigan State University published a medical study suggesting that a ride on Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster can be beneficial. (Image at right via HarshLight / FLICKR)
Read more…
Can the Bite of a ‘Reverse Zombie’ Tick Make You Allergic to Red Meat?
More commonly known as the lone star tick, this unnerving arachnid can transmit an illness with symptoms similar to Lyme disease, as well as a substance that can cause an allergy to red meat.
Read more…
Would Breaking a Vaccine Vial Necessitate Evacuating a Building?
This claim, made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in April, 2017, is a solid illustration of why scale and context matter when making health-related statements.
Read more…
Onions for Bunions?
Putting a raw, cut onion in your sock overnight might give you more space in bed, but it’s certainly not fixing anything medically.
Read more…
Halloween Blood Drive: All Types Welcome
“Saw” is an American horror movie franchise, distributed by Lionsgate Films, whose original seven films (2004-2010) revolved around a villain known as Jigsaw.To celebrate their new “Jigsaw” film, Lionsgate is bringing back a Saw franchise tradition this month with the annual blood drive. Throughout October, mobile blood drive stations are popping up all over the country, and fans who donate will receive a free ticket to see “Jigsaw” in theaters. To promote this blood drive, Lionsgate has released new posters featuring eight of the “nurses” who will be out helping to collect blood.
Read more…
Trick or Transfusion?
Need some inspiration for this year’s costume? Try one of the simple yet spooky medical costumes that are part of the Jigsaw promotion.
Student Spotlight: Kerri Stevenson
Credentials: NP, MN, CWOCN
Student Status: Current Student
City & State: San Jose, CA
Where did you get your RN degree, and do you have a specialty?
University of British Columbia. FNP by education but work in acute care – urologic surgery.
Why did you choose perioperative nursing?
The path has taken me here. Urology has many procedures and robotic cases that advance practice providers are a great asset for.
What is the scariest moment you’ve seen at the table?
Being new to the OR, the funniest moment is laughing at myself as I learn new skills and feel like all thumbs at times.
What techniques or RNFA tricks did you learn from NIFA that you will use for life?
All of it. It has been a lot of fun to practice and try new skills.
What advice would you give other perioperative nurses who wish to pursue RNFA?
Just do it. Find a supportive team and enjoy learning.
Jobs
Click here for the RNFA job postings we’ve collected for you this month.
NIFA – Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
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.
