EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

AORN CONFERENCESAmbulatory Administrator Boot Camp

This program helps you develop the skills needed to manage an ambulatory surgery practice, from daily

operations to regulatory requirements. The four-month program combines face-to-face education with the

convenience of an online program. The course begins with a two-day seminar that is followed by 11

online learning modules. After successfully completing the 11 modules (a score of 100% is needed to

pass), you will be awarded 51 continuing education (CE) contact hours. Many ambulatory surgery center

(ASC) administrators have used this course to prepare for certification exams. Programs are scheduled

for August 14e16 and November 4e6, 2013, at AORN headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Registration

for the August class is open. For more information, visit http://www.aorn.org/ASCAdministrator.

Safe Practice Does Impact Outcomes: Hemostatic Agents and Wound Classification

Earn 4 CE contact hours. Join us in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 24. Funded through the AORN

Foundation and supported by a grant from Ethicon Biosurgery. For more information and to register, visit

http://www.aorn.org/UpcomingEvents-SurgicalWoundsandHemostasis.

Prevent Surgical Site Infections: A Collaborative Approach

Earn 3.5 CE contact hours. Join us in Richmond, Virginia on September 14, Dallas, Texas on October 4, and

Atlanta, Georgia on October 25. Funded through the AORN Foundation and supported by a grant from 3M and

Sage. For more information and to register, visit http://www.aorn.org/UpcomingEvents-SurgicalSiteInfection.

Lean Leadership in Health Care, August 20–22 and September 18–20, Denver, Colorado

Know what counts. Measure what matters. Deliver results. This three-day, highly concentrated, hands-on

workshop teaches critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills that are fundamental to creating

and sustaining actual change using lean strategies. Focus is placed on the intersection of people, process, and

organization culture. Work teams are highly recommended because this course explains by doing. For more

information and to register, visit http://www.aorn.org/LeanLeadership.

AORN’s 61st Annual Congress, March 29eApril 2, 2014, Chicago, Illinois

Next year’s event promises to be innovative, concentrated, comprehensive, and focused. New in 2014 are

focused programs designed exclusively for ASCs, OR leaders, and emerging leaders. Reserve your room

now to get the best hotel, submit your time-off requests, and check out everything Chicago has to offer. For

more information, visit http://www.aorn.org/Congress.

eCongress 2013

Get access to education 24/7 online. eCongress takes the best of Congress andmakes it available online all year

through on-demand recordings. Top Congress sessions were recorded on-site, so you can experience the

education, information, and energy. For more information or to register, visit http://www.aorn.org/eCongress.

AORN is the premier provider of continuing education for perioperative nurses. To ensure that you are registering

for an AORN event, look for the AORN name and logo. If you are not sure whether an event is sponsored by AORN,

call AORN Customer Service at (800) 755-2676.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0001-2092(13)00705-9

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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES www.aornjournal.org

PERIOP 101: A CORE CURRICULUMTM

Periop 101: A Core Curriculum is a comprehensive, online program for educating new perioperative nurses

that provides 40 CE contact hours. The curriculum covers 25 pertinent topics and is designed to be integrated

with a facility’s specific policies and procedures in a clinical practicum and preceptorship. Use of Periop 101

will help develop confident, better-educated, safety-conscious, entry-level perioperative nurses.

For pricing information and a demonstration of the course, visit http://www.aorn.org/Periop101. Periop

101 modules also can be purchased individually. More information is available by visiting http://www

.aorn.org/PeriopModules.

Periop 101: A Core Curriculum for OB Nurses

AORN has recently made extensive revisions and updates to Periop 101: A Core Curriculum for OB Nurses.

The new version consists of 22 modules from the original core curriculum that have been updated to be

directly applicable to the OB RN circulator. Major and minor changes were made to nearly all the modules.

The final examination has also been updated, based on the revised content. For more information, visit http://

www.aorn.org/PeriopOBRN.

Periop 101: A Core Curriculum for ASCs

This specialized Periop 101 course can be used to ensure that the surgical patient in the ambulatory setting

receives the highest level of care. The course contains 26 modules, including two ambulatory-specific

modules developed by experienced ASC nurses. For more information, visit http://www.aorn.org/

ASCperiop101.

Education for Physician Assistants, Medical Students, Residents, Interns, and AdvancedPractice Nurses

AORN has assembled a subset of the Periop 101 modules to educate physician assistants, medical students,

residents, interns, advanced practice nurses, and other allied health professionals entering a facility. For

more information, visit http://www.aorn.org and select Education, Curriculum, Periop 101, and then

PA - Res - Med Course.

Periop 101 Single Modules

Learners can now customize their clinical learning needs by purchasing single modules from Periop 101: A

Core Curriculum. Individual modules vary in price and CE contact hours. These modules contain the same

information as the modules in the Periop 101 curriculum, so a learner who has recently completed Periop 101

will not want to purchase single modules. Modules can be purchased online. For more information, visit

http://www.aorn.org/PeriopModules.

PREPARING FOR THE CNOR� EXAMINATION ONLINE PROGRAM

This newly updated online program prepares RNs to sit for and pass the CNOR certification examina-

tion. There is a money-back guarantee for the course. This 40-CE contact hour course will strengthen

participants’ knowledge of the AORN recommended practices as well as perioperative nursing care. Test-

taking strategies will help participants prepare for test day and alleviate anxiety. Participants have four

months from the time of registration to complete the self-paced online program. Participants receive access

to the online AORN Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices for the duration of the course.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.aorn.org/PrepforCNOR.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY GUIDE BASED ON PERIOPERATIVE STANDARDS ANDRECOMMENDED PRACTICES, 2013 EDITION

This study guide is an excellent resource to review and update perioperative nursing knowledge. New or

experienced RNs, educators, and managers can benefit by testing their knowledge of AORN’s 2013 edition

of Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices using this study guide of 250 questions. Each

participant will receive 13.6 CE contact hours after successfully completing the study guide. Order at http://

www.aornbookstore.org.

WEBINARS

AORN webinars present the latest clinical, education, and management issues; ASC issues; perioperative

news; and best practices to promote safe care and optimal outcomes for patients undergoing operative and

other invasive procedures. Visit http://www.aorn.org and select Events then Webinars for a complete list of

upcoming and previously recorded webinars.

AORN’s Webinar Series: Supply Chain Management in the OR, Third Wednesday of EveryMonth, MayeDecember

This webinar series packs practical and sought-after information from nationally known speakers in a handy

online format. Discover useful supply chain sessions each month through the end of the year. Topics include

inventory control, documentation practices, contract negotiations, controlling costs, introducing new prod-

ucts, preference card management, and a look at the future of supply management. Register at http://

www.aorn.org/Events/Webinars/Supply_Chain_Management_in_the_OR_Webinar_Series.aspx.

ASC Development Webinar Series

The recording of a four-part webinar series on the development of an ASC is now available. The series

covers everything health care providers need to know to start an ASC, including the option of building a new

facility or buying an existing one. Topics include an ASC market overview (eg, ASC historical trends and

market-driven changes such as health care reform), business planning (eg, entity type: hospital outpatient

department versus ASC license, partnership considerations, financial projections, keys to the success of an

ASC), design and development of an ASC (selection of the right professionals, site selection, design of the

facility), and operations preparation (payer contracting, licensure and Medicare certification, accreditation

preparation, governance setup). Register at http://www.aorn.org/Webinars and encourage physician partners

to join as well.

SPECIALTY EDUCATIONAmbulatory Infection Prevention Course

This course provides information that will equip ASCs to meet the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Services (CMS) requirements for infection prevention and control programs in ASCs. This four-module

online course, worth 6.8 CE contact hours, follows the CMS surveyor worksheet, focusing on the obser-

vations and assessments that will be made during a regulatory visit to an ASC.

This course is appropriate for all perioperative personnel, administrators, and physicians who provide

services in an ASC setting and who want to ensure that they have implemented a quality infection control

program following nationally recognized standards and having safe patient outcomes as a result. For more

information, visit http://www.aorn.org/ASCInfectionPrevention.

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Caring for children in the perioperative environment is complex because of the vast differences in children as

Care of the Pediatric Patient in Surgery

they develop from neonates to adolescents. Nursing interventions implemented during the preoperative,

intraoperative, and postoperative phases are multifaceted and must take into account the continuum of

physiological and psychosocial changes that are occurring in the child. This online educational module was

developed in collaboration with Child Health Corporation of America (CHCA) by pediatric specialists and

provides an overview of the anatomical and physiological differences between children and adults and

a review of developmental stages, establishing the basis for safe care. Topics covered include family-

centered care, parent present induction, anesthesia and positioning considerations, temperature regulation,

and pain management. For more information, visit http://www.aorn.org and select Education, Specialty

Education, then Care of the Pediatric Patient in Surgery.

Caring for the Older Adult in the Perioperative Setting

The older adult population is increasing rapidly in the United States. In addition to understanding the

physiological changes, communication difficulties, and greater number of complications associated with

older patients, perioperative nurses must possess knowledge of how these and other age-related factors affect

the care and treatment of the older adult in the perioperative setting. This online module will provide in-

formation regarding the physiological changes of aging and guidelines for nurses caring for the older adult in

the perioperative setting. For more information, visit http://www.aorn.org and select Education, Specialty

Education, then Care of the Older Adult in the left-hand column.

Laser Safety for Perioperative Nurses

Today’s perioperative nurse must be knowledgeable about laser physics, tissue interaction, safety, and

delivery systems to serve as the patient’s advocate and ensure the safety of both patients and personnel. This

educational module, worth 2.5 CE contact hours, presents an overview of information for health care

personnel who may be involved in laser procedures and provides a foundation for the creation of facility-

specific laser policies and procedures. The module also addresses laser safety protocols according to the

American National Standards Institute Z136.3 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities, AORN rec-

ommended practices, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery practices. For more informa-

tion, visit http://www.aorn.org/LaserSafety.

Medication Safety Assessment (Adult)

Knowledge of perioperative medications and safety practices is critical for positive patient outcomes.

This online independent study assessment activity will help experienced perioperative RNs identify

knowledge gaps related to medications in the perioperative setting. Educators, managers, orientation

coordinators, and staffing agencies for traveling RNs can use this tool for onboarding newly hired, expe-

rienced RNs. It can also be used by individual RNs as a self-assessment to identify perioperative

medication safety knowledge gaps. Each participant will receive 2 CE contact hours after successful

completion. This module is available for individual purchase or as a facility subscription. For more

information, visit http://www.aorn.org/medsafetyassessment.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Course

With the frequency of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) increasing, it is vital that the perioperative RN

be prepared. This course presents a review of the key perioperative nursing considerations for patients

undergoing MIS procedures. The course consists of four modules and is worth 8 CE contact hours.

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Module 1 reviews preoperative risk factors related to MIS procedures: positioning, including the develop-

ment of venous stasis; fluid management; and intraoperative use of magnetic resonance imaging. Module 2

discusses intraoperative nursing considerations, including positioning, equipment use, and troubleshooting.

Module 3 focuses on complications associated with MIS. Module 4 discusses postoperative patient care

considerations. To learn more, visit http://www.aorn.org/MIS.

Perioperative Nursing Data Set (PNDS) Online Program

In this newly revised course, nurses can learn about the PNDS, test their knowledge, and earn 1.5 free CE

contact hours. Visit http://www.aorn.org and select Education, Specialty Education, and then Introduction to

the PNDS for more information.

The Role of the Perioperative Nurse in Product Evaluation and Selection

One of the perioperative RN’s most important roles is that of advocate. In this role, the RN is responsible

for providing a safe environment of care for both patients and personnel. An important aspect of this

responsibility is ensuring that products and equipment used in the perioperative practice environment are

both safe and effective. This one-hour program reviews key considerations regarding the perioperative RN’s

influence in product evaluation and selection. For additional information, visit http://www.aorn.org and

select Education, Specialty Education, and then the course name.

PERIOP MASTERY PROGRAM

Improve learning and retention of perioperative personnel while reducing patient risk. Periop Mastery

Modules reduce studying times by up to 75% and boost retention rates to nearly 80% after 12 months. These

AORN programs use the latest scientific advancements in understanding how the human brain acquires,

retains, and recalls information. This technology has been adapted into the Periop Mastery Program modules

to emphasize key objectives about AORN’s Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices.

Periop Mastery Program modules include:

n Deep Vein Thrombosis (2.3 CE contact hours/2.3 hours ambulatory education unit [AEU] credit)

n Hand Hygiene in the Perioperative Setting (1.0 CE contact hour/1.0 hour AEU credit)

n High-Level Disinfection (1.5 CE contact hours/1.5 hours AEU credit)

n Malignant Hyperthermia (2.5 CE contact hours/2.5 hours AEU credit)

n Moderate Sedation (1.8 CE contact hours/1.8 hours AEU credit)

n Perioperative Care of the Older Adult (1.9 CE contact hours/1.9 hours AEU credit)

n Positioning the Patient (1.5 CE contact hours/1.5 hours AEU credit)

n Preoperative Patient Skin Antisepsis (1.2 CE contact hours/1.2 hours AEU credit)

n Preventing Unplanned Perioperative Hypothermia (1.9 CE contact hours/1.9 hours AEU credit)

n Reducing Radiological Exposure (0.8 CE contact hour/0.8 hour AEU credit)

n Retained Surgical Items (1.8 CE contact hours/1.8 hours AEU credit)

n Safe Environment of Care (1.5 CE contact hours/1.5 hours AEU credit)

n Sterilization in the Perioperative Setting (3.0 CE contact hours/3.0 hours AEU credit)

Modules are available for individual purchase and as a facility subscription. For more information or to

purchase, please visit http://www.aorn.org/periopmasteryprogram.

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JOURNAL CE CENTER

AORN Journal CE articles are available with online testing. The online program allows nurses to search

for specific articles, read the article, take the test online, and immediately get results and print a certificate.

The Journal CE Center can help RNs prepare for the CNOR exam or meet state and facility CE require-

ments. Articles cover a broad range of perioperative topics and offer 1 to 6 CE contact hours each. To learn

more and earn CE contact hours online, visit http://www.aorn.org and select Education, then Journal

CE Articles.

AORN VIDEO LIBRARY TITLES PRESENTED BY CIN�E-MED�Educational videos in CD-ROM and DVD formats, most including study guides, are available through the

AORN Perioperative Nursing Video Library and are ideal for use as training tools. The video study guides

contain a posttest with answers. Programs available for purchase address

n clinical practice topics,

n communication and conflict resolution,

n infection control,

n patient and family member education, and

n patient and personnel safety.

The AORN Online Video Library provides an innovative, cost-effective, user-friendly way to make videos

available to nurses and medical institutions. Purchasing a subscription provides access to all the videos in our

library for one full year. For details, visit http://www.aorn.org, select Books & Publications, and then Visit

the video library.

Newly Released Videos

Care of the Pediatric Patient in Surgery: Neonatal Through Adolescence

Care of the pediatric patient is a team effort, best accomplished through collaboration between anesthesia

professionals, surgeons, and nursing personnel throughout the continuum of care. A basic understanding of

pediatric developmental stages is essential to all phases of perioperative nursing care and affects how nurses

interact with pediatric patients. This video and study guide review pediatric developmental stages, essential

aspects of preoperative assessment and postoperative care, and basic principle of parent present induction.

Powered Surgical Instruments: Components of Safe Care and Handling

In today’s fast-paced, highly technical health care environment, surgical techniques are constantly evolving.

Manufacturers of surgical instruments have developed powerful and versatile electrical, battery-operated,

and pneumatically driven surgical instruments. This video will provide valuable information on selecting

high-quality powered surgical instruments and ensuring that they are cared for and handled safely.

Prevention of Transmissible Infections in the Perioperative Practice Setting

Protecting patients and the surgical team from disease transmission is challenging in today’s environment,

partly because of the evolving nature of microorganisms. Perioperative RNs should be proficient in tech-

niques that will protect them and their patients from exposure to potentially infectious material. This video

and study guide review infection transmission mechanisms, basic prevention techniques, and the role of

immunizations and evidence-based practices in preventing transmissible infections.

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Sterile Draping: Fundamental Practices

Surgical drapes are used to create a sterile field around the surgical site and establish a physical barrier that

reduces the risk of surgical site infections by decreasing the movement of microorganisms from unsterile to

sterile areas. Proper selection and correct use of sterile surgical drapes are essential practices for establishing

and maintaining a sterile field. This video and study guide review basic principles of drape selection and use

and describe proper draping methods for laparotomy, extremity surgery, lithotomy, surgeries requiring facial

exposure, and robotic surgery.

Sterile Technique: Key Concepts and Practices

Sterile technique means practicing specific procedures before and during invasive procedures to help prevent

surgical site infections and other infections acquired in hospitals, ASCs, physicians’ offices, and all other

areas where patients undergo these procedures. Perioperative nurses and all other medical and surgical

personnel involved in operative and other invasive procedures should promote patient and worker safety by

practicing correct sterile technique and by identifying, questioning, or stopping practices that appear unsafe.

The purpose of this video and accompanying study guide is to provide information to perioperative personnel

on key concepts and practices for establishing and maintaining a sterile field.

Surgical Instrumentation: Use, Care, and Handling

Surgical instruments are high-quality tools designed for accomplishing a specific, desired effect during

a wide variety of invasive procedures. Proper cleaning and handling minimize damage, increase instrument

life expectancy, and protect instruments that are a major financial investment for facilities. This video will

provide education for perioperative personnel on the use, care, and handling of all surgical instruments,

including minimally invasive, powered, and endoscopic instruments.

Editor’s notes: Periop 101 is a trademark of AORN, Inc, Denver, CO. CNOR is a registered trademark of

the Competency & Credentialing Institute, Denver, CO. Cin�e-Med is a registered trademark of Cin�e-Med,

Inc, Woodbury, CT. The Perioperative Nursing Data Set (PNDS) terminology is only distributed through

AORN and AORN Syntegrity� licensed vendors. For questions about PNDS 3 implementation into the

electronic health record and electronic perioperative record solutions, please contact the AORN Syn-

tegrity team via e-mail at syntegrity@aorn.org. AORN Syntegrity is a registered trademark of AORN, Inc,

Denver, CO.

AORN ensures that no individual with a mobility, visual, or hearing disability is excluded, denied services, or

treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids or services.

AORN is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s

Commission on Accreditation.

AORN recognizes these activities as continuing education for registered nurses. This recognition does not imply that

AORN approves or endorses products mentioned in the activities.

AORN is provider-approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 13019. Check

with your state board of nursing for acceptability of education sessions for relicensure.

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