Perioperative nurses celebrated for dedication to patient safety Published Nov. 16, 2010 By Maj. James Combs 99th Medical Group NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Perioperative nurses everywhere are being celebrated for their important role and commitment to safe patient care during the annual Perioperative Nurse Week, Nov. 8-14. States around the country are recognizing their vital work with official proclamations. The Mike O' Callaghan Federal Hospital Operating Room Services' 28 active duty, Veteran's Affairs, and contract nurses provide perioperative care in 12 surgical specialties for more than 400 military and veteran beneficiaries each month. Perioperative nursing is a specialized area of nursing practice, providing nursing care to surgical patients before, during, and after surgery. As a fundamental member of the surgical team, the perioperative registered nurse works in collaboration with other health care professionals, which may include the surgeon, anesthesia provider, surgical assistant, and other assistive personnel. Perioperative nursing requires a unique and highly-specialized skill set gained from specialized training and education. Active duty perioperative nurses can be new accessions with perioperative experience or may attend a three-month cross training program at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Perioperative nurses are responsible for planning and directing all nursing care for patients who undergo invasive surgical procedures, and they serve as the patient's advocate while they are powerless to make their own decisions. In addition, MOFH active duty perioperative nurses are battle-proven and provide world class medical support to all war fighters for combat and humanitarian missions globally. While all of the other well-qualified medical professionals are focused on their specific duty, the perioperative RN focuses on the patient. By employing their critical thinking, assessment, diagnosing, outcome identification, planning, and evaluation skills, the RN circulator directs the nursing care and coordinates activities of the surgical team for the benefit of the patient. To find the proclamations and resolutions for your state, visit http://www.aorn.org/PublicPolicy/IssuesAndInitiatives/PerioperativeNurseWeek/.
