Recommended practices for non-hospital surgery sites

Abstract

There are a number of ambulatory resources (eg, tool kits, books, online education) that perioperative nurses can access or purchase from AORN’s web site at http://www.aorn.org. A variety of patient safety-focused AORN tool kits are available at no cost to members. These primarily web-based, multimedia resources address critical issues affecting perioperative nurses in all health care settings. Several of the tool kits contain sample policies and procedures, and participants may be able to use the tool kits to earn continuing education contact hours. AORN also sells a number of books that address ambulatory and office-based surgery settings. A sampling of topics includes infection control, sterilization, scheduling, ambulatory procedures for the nurse practitioner, and the core curriculum for ambulatory care nursing. AORN’s online education can meet the learning needs of both clinicians and managers, regardless of the practice setting. Online continuing education provides the convenience of accessing educational opportunities at home or at work. AORN’s commitment to surgical patients, perioperative RNs, and the nursing profession is further demonstrated by annual recurring face-to-face educational events. These events provide continuing education that is applicable for perioperative RNs in all positions, levels of experience, and areas of practice, including • staff RNs; • advanced practice nurses (eg, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives); • RN first assistants; • directors and administrators; • managers, team leaders, charge nurses, and clinical coordinators; • perioperative nurses in industry and consulting; and • educators. Face-to-face educational events are aimed at supporting perioperative nurses’ journeys to excellence by promoting professional and personal