the official daily publication of the AORN Congress
Educating a new generation of nursesJennifer M. Brusco
AORN Journal Associate Editor
A diverse group of nursing students gathered for an informative, hands-on program that featured learning stations on hand hygiene, gowning and gloving, positioning, prepping, clipper shaving, electrosurgical equipment use, and, new this year was the laparoscopic surgery station. Each station was lead by a seasoned nurse who offered a wealth of information to students not only from a clinical standpoint, but also from a professional or career standpoint. Educators also took the time to share personal stories from the OR as well as how they started out as perioperative nurses. Paige Bailey, a new nursing student who will be attending the University of North Carolina (UNC) in the Fall, commented that “everyone is very informative and consistent.” She added that she has learned a lot and feels that she will be able to use the information in the future.
Antonia Hughes, RN, CNOR; Glen Burnie, MD, and LTC Dennis G. Logan, RN; Fort Belvoire, Va., explained the proper procedure for donning a surgical gown and gloves while maintaining a sterile field at one of the gowning and gloving stations. Guidance was given not just with words, but through example. Both Hughes and Logan took time to explain the reasoning behind the various steps, while answering questions posed by the students, and offering encouragement that the new nurses will become proficient with consistent practice.
Students practice using the laparascopic instruments.
At one of the prepping stations, Donna J. Eliason, RN, CNOR, CRNFA, Salt Lake City, Utah, guided students through the proper technique for prepping a patient for surgery using two prepping solutions. When asked how large an area should be coated with the prepping solution, Ms. Eliason said that students should “make sure you have a big enough area so that if the drapes slip, you still have a sterile area.” She also recommended that “if you ever think it’s contaminated, throw it out . . . It’s better than risking a surgical site infection.”
CPT Carolyn Watson, RN, CNOR, CRNFA, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, educated students at one of the laparoscopic stations on the use of laparoscopic instruments, and offered guidance and advice when using the instruments. Students were given the opportunity to get a feel for using the instruments and practice picking up small beads and placing them over a vertical bar with a monitor as their only view point. This station helped new students understand the intricacy of the instrument and the value of practice and a steady hand.
Read more stories in Thursday's Edition.
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