September 2019 • Volume 12, No. 9

From the Editor

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the United States and causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is also difficult to detect, especially in the early stages. So it’s important to be aware of its signs and symptoms.

In this issue we bring you resources on ovarian cancer along with other news of interest. Did you know biohackers are surgically implanting computer routers and hard drives into their bodies? Scroll down for that story.

Our Student in the Spotlight is Lynne Melton, BSN, RN, CNOR, of Pace, FL.

You’ll also find RNFA jobs we’ve collected for you and NIFA’s favorite links.

Enjoy!


Julie Lancaster, Editor


News

Biohackers Are Surgically Implanting Non-medical Computer Equipment in their Bodies

Some biohackers in California have created a wireless router and hard drive rolled into one small device designed to be inserted subdermally into the body. It creates a local wireless network that anyone in the same room can access and even, in the words of the article, “lets you stream movies from inside your leg.” This opens up some thorny legal questions about privacy and data ownership. Read more . . .

Photo: Wired.com


Ovarian Cancer

Overview Websites

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read more . . .

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Read more . . .

Ovarian Cancer News

Women are living longer with ovarian cancer, and it’s increasingly seen as a chronic disease.
Read more . . .

Ovarian Cancer Drug Resistance Protein Identified
Read more . . .

University of Colorado Anschutz Study Finds IUD Use Lowers Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Read more . . .


Videos

This 3D medical animation from Covenant Health gives a brief overview of the anatomy of the ovaries and how ovarian cancer develops.  Watch video . . .

A live robotic hysterectomy surgery video from St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Watch video . . .

A total laparoscopic hysterectomy from Greenslopes Specialist Gynaecology. An instructional, step-by-step video with full commentary and external and internal synchronized footage to help improve technique. Watch video . . .

Numerous additional types of surgeries are used in treatment of ovarian cancer or to reduce ovarian cancer risk; search for the specific type of surgery you’re interested in learning about.


Colon Surgery Crossword Puzzle


Test your knowledge of colon anatomy and surgical 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: Lynne Melton

Credentials
BSN, RN, CNOR

Student Status
Current student

City & State
Pace, FL

Current Position
CV Coordinator, West Florida Hospital, Pensacola, FL

Where did you get your RN degree?
I got my Associates degree from Pensacola State College, Pensacola, FL, and my BSN from the University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL.

How did you come to choose perioperative nursing?
I started my career as a Certified Surgical Tech and traveled for five years of my ten years as a CST. Then I went to nursing school, obtained my BSN. Total years in medical field: 24 yrs.

What is the funniest or scariest moment you’ve ever seen at the table?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one so I’ll answer with my “ah-ha” moment. After I observed my first surgery, I left the room realizing I was hungry, so I figured I’d be OK in the OR.

What is one technique or RNFA trick you’ve learned from NIFA that you will use for life?
Obviously everything! But I will always be “closing incisions,” so the different techniques learned will be so valuable.

How do you feel having your RNFA will impact your life/career?
More opportunities, more money, more skills.


Jobs Front

Click here for the RNFA job postings we’ve collected for you this month.


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:

MD Edge 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.

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