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August 2015 See the full issue

Survey marks 25 years with rise in volume and open positions

After several years of stability, primarily a result of the 2008 economic downturn, there are signs that OR nurses are once again on the move, according to the 25th annual OR Manager Salary/Career Survey. The percentage of respondents reporting an increase in RN open positions compared with 12 months ago…

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By: OR Manager
August 17, 2015
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Learn from hybrid OR experts at annual conference Town Hall

The interactive hybrid OR exhibit that debuted at the 2014 OR Manager Conference will once again be showcased in 2015. The exhibit, featuring an extensive array of products and equipment representing more than 10 companies, will be on display during the annual OR Manager Conference, October 7-9, at the Gaylord…

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By: OR Manager
August 17, 2015
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Editorial

The French proverb, “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” is one way to view the readmission penalties imposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). About a year ago, a Kaiser Health News report said more than 2,600 hospitals in fiscal year 2015 were…

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By: Elizabeth Wood
August 17, 2015
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Find your community within the OR Manager Conference closing session

The annual OR Manager Conference gives OR directors and managers an opportunity to gain wisdom and inspiration while enjoying a change of scene. Regardless of whether they have attended the conference for many years or they are newcomers, it's always an occasion when they can connect with peers who truly…

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By: Elizabeth Wood
August 17, 2015
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Hiding in plain sight: Surgical smoke threatens health of OR staff

Research has shown that electrosurgical smoke presents a serious health hazard for the OR team. However, many remain skeptical of its harmful effects, and compliance with smoke evacuation recommendations is not consistent. Electrosurgical smoke results from the vaporization of tissue, fluid, and blood into a gaseous form by electrosurgical instruments.…

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By: Judith M. Mathias, MA, RN
August 17, 2015
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New AAMI standard for endoscope reprocessing

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has published its first standard on flexible endoscope reprocessing. ANSI/AAMI ST91: 2015 Flexible and Semi-rigid Endoscope Processing in Health Care Facilities was developed from research and input from manufacturers of flexible endoscopes, users, consultants, and regulatory bodies. The new standard, which…

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By: OR Manager
August 17, 2015
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Quality reports to determine pay rise or fall

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) that have yet to register and report compliance with quality measures can expect a decrease of 0.9% in 2016 from this year’s Medicare reimbursement rates. Those in compliance, however, may see an increase of approximately 1.1%, depending on specialties. As in the past, the Centers for…

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By: Paula DeJohn
August 17, 2015
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Staffing at most ASCs stays stable despite recruitment challenges

Although ambulatory surgery center (ASC) staff show a slightly greater inclination to change jobs than they did in 2014, staffing remains relatively stable in a market with continued recruitment challenges and slower volume increases, according to the 25th annual OR Manager Salary/Career Survey. Nearly one-fourth (24%) of respondents reported an…

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By: OR Manager
August 17, 2015
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Successful recruitment and retention of engaged employees—Part 1

As part of the 25th annual OR Manager Salary/Career Survey, nearly one-fourth of respondents from ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) reported an increase in the turnover rate for RNs in the past 12 months, and many said they have at least one open position. In the comments section of the survey,…

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By: OR Manager
August 17, 2015
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At A Glance

Distractions detract from OR teamwork Distractions in the OR are associated with higher mental workload and stress and poorer teamwork among OR personnel, a study finds. The most prevalent distractions were those from external staff, followed by case-irrelevant conversations. Case-irrelevant conversations initiated by surgeons were associated with lower teamwork in…

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By: OR Manager
August 1, 2015
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Duodenoscopes and CRE--Reducing the risks

In the dangerous world of hospital-acquired infections, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) patient infections associated with the use of duodenoscopes has proven to be a substantial concern for healthcare facilities and patients. Several large-scale outbreaks in the last year have prompted questions about the safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) endoscopy procedures,…

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By: OR Manager
August 1, 2015
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