From the Editor
This month we bring you news and resources about reconstructive plastic surgery, with a focus on skin. Reconstructive surgery is a field in which technologies are constantly changing and improving. You’ll find some news stories and videos below, plus our all-new crossword puzzle about skin anatomy and skin graft surgery.
Our student in the spotlight is Melanie Frye, MS, NP-C, of Houston, TX. And scroll on down for the latest RNFA job offerings and NIFA’s favorite links.
Enjoy!
News
Using Tissue Expanders in Face and Neck Reconstruction
Face and neck reconstruction are among the most challenging of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. Earlier this year, the World Journal of Plastic Surgery presented the results of a study examining the use of tissue expanders in reconstructive surgery of extensive face and neck burning scars. (A tissue expander is a balloon-like device inserted under the skin near the area to be repaired and then gradually filled with salt water over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow.) Read the report.
Bioprinting Technology in Reconstructive Surgery
Two stories from the continually amazing world of 3D bioprinting:
When Surgeons Listen to their Preferred Music, Their Closures Are Better and Faster
A new study from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston shows that when plastic surgeons listen to music they prefer, their surgical technique and efficiency when closing incisions is improved. Read a Science Daily Summary of the report here…or the full study as it appeared in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
And–not specifically related to plastic surgery, but interesting–see this Huffington Post article on the overall benefits of music in the OR.
Video
From the Burn Center at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center, Burns 101 describes operative skin excision and grafting as part of an overall introduction to burn treatment. Designed for residents, emergency room physicians, and other practitioners caring for burn patients at facilities without a dedicated regional burn center, Burns 101 offers quick, concise treatment guidelines and referral criteria. Watch now…
Find out how thorough your knowledge really is about skin anatomy and reconstructive surgery with this month’s crossword puzzle.
When you’re ready to check your answers follow this link to see how well you did. Good luck!
Skin Graft Surgery Game
The prompts in this online game teach you about tools and procedure used in a skin graft surgery. Appropriate for young adult or adult (beginner) students.Click here to play.
In the Spotlight
Name: Melanie Frye
Credentials: MS, APRN/NP-C
Student Status: Current NIFA RNFA student
City and State: Houston, TX
Current Job: NP-Plastic Surgery
Where did you get your degrees?
University of Texas – Houston Health Science Center – BSN; Texas Woman’s University – Houston Campus – MS.
Why did you choose perioperative nursing? I have worked in a variety of different settings, and I realized that I love the skills and atmosphere involved in perioperative nursing. I am always busy and intellectually stimulated in the OR and I appreciate contributing to an optimal surgical result.
What is the funniest or scariest moment you’ve ever seen at the table? Funniest – me trying to figure out how to suture in a circle before NIFA. Scariest – a conscious sedation patient becoming too sedated.
What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA that you will use for life? Use your non-dominant hand instead of forceps to follow yourself during a running locking stitch.
How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career?
I feel much more confident in going into the OR and feel like this knowledge gives me the much-needed skills and education to become a more well-rounded surgical NP.
Job Front
Click here for the RNFA job postings we’ve collected for you this month.
NIFA Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 7:30am – 5:00pm (Fridays 7:30am – 4:00pm).
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