October 2018 • Volume 11, No. 10
From the Editor
It’s t-t-time for our annual Halloween edition, when we depart from the day-to-day world of nursing and enter the realm of the spooky. Join us if you dare! Our student in the spotlight is Shanna Duhe, BSN, RN, CNOR, of Madisonville, LA.
Scroll down for a new crossword puzzle, jobs we’ve collected for you and NIFA’s favorite links.
Boo!
Julie Lancaster, Editor
News
Halloween tales from the emergency room
From patients in costume and fake blood to candy in places it doesn’t belong, this report from NBC News claims that the scariest place on Halloween isn’t a cemetery or haunted house—it’s the emergency room. Read more…
Ouija boards: Science explains the spooky sensation
New research reveals the psychological mechanisms that are responsible for creating the “paranormal” sensation that Ouija boards often induce. Read more…
Halloween partygoers warned of dangers of costume contact lenses
Experts urge wearers to buy from registered opticians or doctors to avoid possible infection and sight loss. Read more…
‘Pretty scary’: Study found 71 percent of commonly used medical scopes tainted
In an ominous sign for patient safety, 71 percent of reusable medical scopes deemed ready for use on patients tested positive for bacteria at three major U.S. hospitals, according to a new study. Read more…
Sweating Blood
Hematohidrosis is a rare medical condition in which a human sweats blood, cries bloody tears, or bleeds from other skin surfaces. This article from the National Institutes of Health links to several case studies. Read more…
Medical Urban Legends
True or False?
20 urban legends about how our bodies work.
Read more…
Spooky Treats
Infection Prevention Crossword Puzzle
Test your knowledge of Infection Prevention Surgery 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!
Student Spotlight: Shanna Duhe
 Credentials
BSN, RN, CNOR
City & State
Madisonville, LA
Student Status
Current student in NIFA’s RNFA Program
Current Position
Supervisor – Clinical Coordinator, OR & SPD, Ochsner Health System
Where did you get your RN degree?
Southeastern Louisiana University
How did you come to choose perioperative nursing?
My foot was cut in a lawnmower accident when I was 5 years old. I had 12 surgeries by the time I was 6 years old. I remembered rolling back to OR and all the nurses were comforting and fun. I wanted to be a part of that team.
What is the scariest moment you’ve ever seen at the table?
The scariest moment was when I came out on call and saw an exploratory laparotomy in which the patient had formed stool that we were scooping out of her belly. Vitals unstable. I thought she was going to expire but she did well.
What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA this week that you will use for life?
How I bury my knot on the subcuticular stitch.
How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career?
It will be life-changing. I will move out of management back to bedside. I will no longer be on periphery as I was as a circulator. I will be in the procedure, and I can’t wait.
NIFA – Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
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, 2016 (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.
|
