Perioperative, Operating Room and Surgical Nursing Commons^™

Improving Anesthetic Management Of Pheochromocytoma: ​ ​An Educational Initiative Led By Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists​, Kerryn Nicholls

Scholars Week

Anesthetic management of pheochromocytoma presents challenges to experienced nurse anesthetists and recent graduates alike due to the rarity and complex pathophysiology. The purpose of this DNP project was to provide information and education informed by an extensive literature review regarding the anesthetic management of pheochromocytoma for the benefit of future nurse anesthesia practice. The project was accomplished through an educational presentation and novel clinical care flow chart focused on perioperative anesthetic care of pheochromocytoma excision to an audience of practicing certified registered anesthetists (CRNA’s) in two rural Kentucky hospitals. The findings of this project demonstrated that student nurse anesthesia students …

Occupational Sevoflurane Exposure And Awareness Of Health Effects Among Anesthesia Providers, Hayden Fell

Scholars Week

Key words:

Sevoflurane exposure Occupational safety CRNAs Anesthetic gas exposure Workplace hazard

The anesthetic gas sevoflurane is of unique interest amongst anesthesia providers as a potential workplace hazard. This project aimed to evaluate CRNA knowledge, clinical practices, symptoms, and perceptions related to occupational sevoflurane exposure amongst Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) at a regional hospital in Kentucky.

This quality improvement project used a pre- and post-intervention survey design. Ten CRNAs participated in the project. A pre-survey was given, followed by an educational session informing participants of guidelines regarding Sevoflurane exposure and literature findings of Sevoflurane as a potential workplace …

The Standardization Of Protocols For Lines And Drips In Complex Cases, Allee A. Rudolph

Scholars Week

Medication errors occur far too often, yet many can be prevented through simple measures such as intravenous line labeling. Clear, highly visible labels enable quick identification reducing the response time in critical situations. The incorporation of color-coding and icons can only enhance the ability to distinguish between the lines with confidence.

The Importance Of Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis In Post-Surgical Patients, Abigail N. Nelson, Madison R. Holmen

Scholars Week

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a preventable postoperative complication that poses significant risks to patient safety. This evidence-based practice project applies the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to implement a mandatory DVT prophylaxis training module for newly hired surgical nurses. The training includes interactive instruction on pharmacologic and mechanical prevention methods, such as anticoagulant use, sequential compression devices, and early ambulation. Effectiveness will be evaluated through post-training assessments, observation of nursing practice, and manager feedback. By standardizing DVT prevention education and promoting consistent use of evidence-based interventions, this project seeks to improve nurse competency, reduce postoperative DVT incidence, and enhance …

Capturing Women's Birth Experiences Through Photos, Kristen Montgomery, Betsy Crabtree, Samantha Grayson, Alyssa Harmon, Rachael Robbins, Sarah Shelton, Hannah Sobas, Alexis Taliaferro, Nolan Willard

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Each year 3.5 to 4 million women give birth in the United States. Childbirth is a life-changing event that induces various emotions in women. Many women report having a negative experience due to short staffing, inadequate care, and a loss of autonomy. Aims: The aim of the study was to understand what factors contribute to a positive or negative birth experience.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using photo elicitation. Photos were collected from participants and included a description of how the photo represented the participant’s experience. Demographic data were collected through a survey. Participants …

Improving Recovery Nurses’ Satisfaction With Postoperative Transfer Of The Anesthetized Patient With The Utilization Of A Standardized Handoff Checklist, Gemma Nilsson

Scholars Week

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of using a standardized tool during patient handoff, addressing the lack of an organized structure for patient transfers and the risk of miscommunication. Poor communication is a leading cause of medical errors in the hospital and the transfer reports of postoperative patients in the post-anesthesia care unit are often inaccurate or incomplete (Milby, 2014; Salzwedel, 2012).

Design: A handoff tool was developed for anesthesia providers to use during postoperative patient transfers. Using descriptive statistics, the project evaluated subjective survey responses from registered nurses before and after the implementation of the tool. Perception of the tool’s …

Fire Safety In The Or, Raghda Abo Al Haija, Leah Cullop, Keeli Mckeel

Scholars Week

Fire safety in the operating room (OR) is crucial, and so it is important for the OR team to be aware of practices that help prevent and manage operating room fires. This presentation compiles evidence-based research on practices and interventions that promote OR fire safety.

Uncovering The Benefits Of Naturalistic Blue-Depleted Lighting In Hospitals: A Qualitative Study, Sam P. Cotton

Symposium of Student Scholars

With exponential technological advances, hospitals are tasked with prioritizing which expensive innovations truly impact as many patients as possible to give them the greatest chance of recovering and discharge them earlier. It is no surprise that most of the attention is focussed on pharmaceutical drugs and a variety of different equipment and machinery, but hospital facilities should look into simpler additions that can aid every patient admitted. The use of naturalistic blue-wavelength lighting is something that can benefit each patient’s recovery immensely. Multiple studies have proven positive effects that blue-depleted lighting compared to standard indoor fluorescent lighting has lowered stress …

Effective Training For Novice Nurses Transition To The Perioperative Role: An Integrative Literature Review, Katherine N. Bazi

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: For novice nurses, a big struggle has been transitioning to the perioperative nursing role. Having a limited amount of experienced perioperative nurses available has created an impact on hospitals to provide extensive training and education for the novice nurse transitioning to this new role.

Purpose of Study: The purpose of this study is to review the efficiency of training for perioperative nurses. This study will help identify best practices for educating new nurses in the operating room as they transition into the operating room.

Method: An integrative literature review was utilized to evaluate peer-reviewed articles …

Anesthesia "Hand Off" Process For Patients At High Risk For Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Terry Yeager

Student Scholar Showcase

No abstract provided.

Scheduling, Heather Ann Paine 2481430

Student Scholar Showcase

Problem:

Self scheduling via paper sign-up sheets can lead to missed staffing needs for the Operating Room. Paper scheduling lacks the ability to run quick analysis of staffing needs as well as ensure each shift is staffed properly.

Evidence:

Electronic scheduling will improve scheduling efficiency, cost savings, as well as improve moral and staff engagement.

Strategy:

This project will use design and plan, do, study, and act to implement and evaluate project. This project is being conducted take place at Lynchburg General Hospital Operating Room with the current five members of the cardiothoracic team as a pilot, based on post …