Perioperative Nurse Week

A Time to Celebrate Our Surgical Superheroes

As a perioperative nurse, I’ve seen it all. The hustle and bustle of the operating room, the intense focus during critical moments, and the joy of successful surgeries. But one week stands out in our calendar – Perioperative Nurse Week. It’s our time to shine, and boy, do we deserve it!

Let me take you behind the scenes of this special celebration and why it matters so much to us and our patients.

The Birth of a Celebration

Picture this: It’s 1979, and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) decides it’s high time we get some recognition. They pick November 14th as our day to bask in the limelight. But guess what? One day just wasn’t enough to capture all the amazing work we do. So, it grew into a full week of festivities!

Now, starting every 2nd Sunday of November, hospitals across the country buzz with excitement as we celebrate Perioperative Nurse Week. It’s like our very own Oscars, minus the red carpet (although our scrubs are pretty snazzy).

The evolution of this celebration reflects the growing recognition of our vital role in healthcare. What started as a single day has blossomed into a week-long event that encompasses all aspects of perioperative nursing. It’s a testament to the increasing complexity and importance of our work in modern healthcare.

Why We’re Worth Celebrating

You might be wondering, “What’s so special about perioperative nurses?” Well, let me break it down for you:

• We’re the calm in the storm before surgery
• We’re the steady hands during procedures
• We’re the comforting presence in recovery

We’re surgical superheroes, minus the capes (they’re not very sterile).

Our role is crucial in ensuring patients receive top-notch care from the moment they step into the hospital until they’re wheeled out. We’re like the glue that holds the surgical team together, making sure everything runs smoother than a well-oiled machine.

But it’s more than just technical skills. We’re advocates for our patients when they’re at their most vulnerable. We’re the ones who hold their hand when they’re scared, explain procedures in terms they can understand, and ensure their dignity is maintained throughout their surgical journey.

The Multifaceted Role of Perioperative Nurses

Our job doesn’t start and end in the operating room. We’re involved in every stage of the surgical process, each with its own unique challenges and rewards.

Preoperative Care The Calm Before the Storm

In the preoperative phase, we’re the first friendly face patients see. It’s our job to:

• Conduct thorough health assessments
• Ensure all necessary tests are completed
• Explain the upcoming procedure and answer any questions
• Help manage preoperative anxiety

This stage is crucial for building trust and setting the tone for the entire surgical experience. I remember a patient, Sarah, who was terrified of her upcoming heart surgery. By taking the time to explain everything and teaching her some simple relaxation techniques, I helped turn her fear into determination. She sailed through the surgery with flying colours.

Intraoperative Care Where the Magic Happens

Once we’re in the operating room, it’s go-time. Our responsibilities include:

• Setting up and managing surgical equipment
• Assisting the surgeon during the procedure
• Monitoring the patient’s vital signs
• Ensuring a sterile environment to prevent infections

It’s a high-pressure environment where split-second decisions can make all the difference. But there’s nothing quite like the rush of being part of a successful surgery.

Postoperative Care The Road to Recovery

After the surgery, our job is far from over. In the recovery room, we:

• Monitor patients as they wake from anaesthesia
• Manage pain and any postoperative complications
• Educate patients and families about postoperative care
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals for ongoing care

This stage is all about vigilance and compassion. I’ll never forget the elderly gentleman who was confused and agitated after his hip replacement. By staying with him, holding his hand, and gently reminding him where he was, I helped him transition safely from surgery to recovery.

A Day in the Life of a Perioperative Nurse

Ever wondered what we do? Let me give you a peek into our world:

5:30 AM The day starts early. I’m up before the sun, getting ready for my 12-hour shift.

6:30 AM I arrive at the hospital, change into my scrubs and attend the morning huddle. We discuss the day’s surgical schedule and any potential challenges.

7:00 AM Time to meet my first patient. Today, it’s a young woman having her gallbladder removed. I check her vitals, review her chart, and make sure she’s comfortable and informed about the procedure.

8:00 AM We’re in the operating room. I’m scrubbed in, helping to position the patient and set up the laparoscopic equipment.

10:00 AM The surgery is successful. I help transfer the patient to recovery and brief the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse on the patient’s status.

10:30 AM Quick break for a coffee and a snack. Got to keep those energy levels up!

11:00 AM Back to the OR for an emergency appendectomy. In perioperative nursing, you always have to be ready for the unexpected.

2:00 PM After the appendectomy, I spend some time restocking supplies and updating patient records. Documentation is a crucial part of our job.

3:00 PM Time for a complex orthopaedic surgery. These can be long and demanding, requiring intense concentration and teamwork.

7:00 PM As my shift winds down, I hand over to the night team, ensuring they have all the information they need for a smooth transition.

It’s a whirlwind of activity, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. The look of relief on a patient’s face when they wake up after a successful surgery? That’s what makes it all worthwhile.

Celebrating in Style

Now, onto the fun part – how we celebrate Perioperative Nurse Week! It’s not all cake and balloons (although there’s usually plenty of those too). Here’s how we make the most of our special week:

Social Media Takeover
We flood social media with our stories using hashtags like #PeriopProud and #SafeSurgeryTogether. It’s our chance to show the world what we do and why it matters. Last year, our hospital’s Instagram story featuring “A Day in the Life of a Perioperative Nurse” went viral!

Sharing is Caring
We love sharing stories about the impact we’ve had on patients’ lives. It’s not bragging if it’s true, right? Many hospitals set up “gratitude boards” where patients can leave thank-you notes for their perioperative nurses.

Party Time
Hospitals organise events to appreciate our hard work. Think award ceremonies, but with more scrubs and less designer gowns. My favourite was the “Surgical Olympics” we held last year, complete with a suturing contest and a race to don sterile gowns and gloves.

Educational Opportunities
Many hospitals use this week to offer additional training sessions or workshops. It’s a great way to keep our skills sharp and learn about the latest advancements in surgical care.

Community Outreach
Some hospitals organise health fairs or open houses to educate the public about what we do. It’s always fun to see people’s reactions when they try to use laparoscopic instruments on a training model!

But it’s not just about us having a good time. Perioperative Nurse Week is also about raising awareness and inspiring the next generation of surgical superheroes.

Gifts That Keep on Giving

Want to show your appreciation for a perioperative nurse in your life? Here are some ideas that’ll make their day:

• Donate to the AORN Foundation in their name. It’s like giving a gift that keeps on giving, supporting education and research in our field.
• Send a heartfelt thank-you note. Trust me, we treasure these more than you know. I still have a letter from a patient I cared for five years ago pinned to my locker.
• Treat them to a relaxing spa day. After all those hours on our feet, a massage works wonders!
• Gift them a high-quality stethoscope or a comfortable pair of nursing shoes. Practical gifts that make our daily work easier are always appreciated.
• Organise a team-building activity. Escape rooms are great for honing our problem-solving skills!

Remember, it’s not about the price tag. It’s the thought that counts, and knowing we’re appreciated means the world to us.

The Challenges We Face

While Perioperative Nurse Week is a time for celebration, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges we face in our profession:

• Long hours and physical demands can lead to burnout
• Emotional stress from dealing with critically ill patients
• Keeping up with rapidly advancing medical technology
• Staffing shortages in many hospitals
• The need for continuous education and skill development

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our patients and our profession. Perioperative Nurse Week serves as a reminder of why we chose this path and the positive impact we have on countless lives.

Looking to the Future

Perioperative Nurse Week isn’t just about celebrating our past achievements. It’s also about looking to the future. We use this time to:

• Encourage more people to join our ranks. (Trust me, we’re a fun bunch!)
• Advocate for better working conditions and resources.
• Support ongoing education and training. Because in our field, learning never stops.
• Explore new technologies that can improve patient care, like robotic-assisted surgery and AI in healthcare.
• Discuss ways to make our practice more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

We’re always pushing to be better, do better, and provide the best care possible. It’s just who we are.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the healthcare sector, and perioperative nurses have been at the forefront of this battle. We’ve had to:

• Adapt to new safety protocols and PPE requirements
• Handle the backlog of elective surgeries postponed due to the pandemic
• Provide emotional support to patients unable to have family members with them
• Deal with our fears and anxieties about potential exposure

Despite these challenges, we’ve shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. Perioperative Nurse Week has taken on new significance, serving as a reminder of our strength and dedication in the face of adversity.

The Heart of Healthcare

As we wrap up our celebration of Perioperative Nurse Week, I can’t help but feel a surge of pride. We’re not just nurses; we’re advocates, comforters, and sometimes even miracle workers.

To my fellow perioperative nurses: pat yourselves on the back. You’re doing amazing work, and this week is all about recognising that. Remember the lives you’ve touched, the fears you’ve calmed, and the difference you make every single day.

To everyone else, remember the perioperative nurses working tirelessly behind the scenes next time you or a loved one needs surgery. We might not always be visible, but we’re always there, ensuring everything goes smoothly.

Perioperative Nurse Week is more than just a celebration. It’s a reminder of the crucial role we play in healthcare, the lives we touch, and the difference we make every single day. So here’s to us, the unsung heroes of the operating room. May we continue to provide exceptional care, one patient at a time.

As we look to the future, let’s carry the spirit of Perioperative Nurse Week with us throughout the year. Let’s continue to advocate for our profession, support each other, and strive for excellence in patient care. After all, that’s what being a perioperative nurse is all about.