Perioperative time capsule - Brief Article

AORN Journal, August, 2002

40 YEARS AGO IN OR NURSING

In the July/August 1962 issue of OR Nursing, AORN President Ethel I. West, RN, discusses AORN's leadership role, aiding members with various needs, and recruiting new members. * In an article on burns, one author says "An extensive burn is one of the most complex insults to which the human body is subjected." * An AORN membership renewal form located in this issue shows that at this time, members could renew for $3 per year. * An advertisement for OR nurses in a 520-bed general hospital lists a starting salary between $328 and $356 per month. Benefits include meals and laundry of uniforms. Another offers $4,860 to $5,880 yearly plus four weeks vacation, seven paid holidays, and sick leave.

30 YEARS AGO IN THE AORN JOURNAL

The results of chapter elections are printed in the August 1972 issue of the AORN Journal. * One nurse tells of observing the first microlaryngoscopy procedure in her hospital and the problems that arose, including positioning the scope and positioning the patient. * An article on health education says the reason health care is becoming specialized is division of labor, sharing of responsibilities, and using a team approach to provide services. * In "Q & A," one reader asks whether special techniques should be used when cleaning an OR after surgical treatment of a patient with gas gangrene. It is advised that gas gangrene should not cause more concern than any other infection-producing bacteria.

20 YEARS AGO IN THE AORN JOURNAL

One article tells how children with deformities in remote villages in Central and South America often are mistreated or considered to be freaks. A boy with a cleft palate was locked in a closet for years by family members. * A report on an AORN survey sent to all state boards of nursing says that only two states, Idaho and Virginia, have specific guidelines for RN first assistants. * In "OR Nursing Law," a reader questions the practice of performing dilatation and curettage procedures in the emergency room. It is advised that this is not a good practice. * One author discusses the nursing externship program at her hospital. In this program, no academic credit is given, but students receive a salary.

10 YEARS AGO IN THE AORN JOURNAL

One article details using computers to complete nursing documentation forms, saying this is less common than computer use for staffing, scheduling, and supply management. * Proposed recommended practices for traffic patterns in the surgical suite and monitoring the patient receiving IV conscious sedation are published in this issue of the Journal. * Another article discusses creative strategies for nurse recruitment and retention. One hospital invited people from local schools of nursing to a luau. * A Home Study Program on autologous blood transfusion says the concept has been in existence since 1886, and the literature supports the use of autologous blood as the safest option for surgical patients.

NEXT MONTH IN THE AORN JOURNAL

The September 2002 issue of the AORN Journal will include two Home Studies. One will address total hip revision arthroplasty, and the other will discuss bioterrorism. Other topics planned for this issue include

* bloodless surgery,

* obstructive sleep apnea,

* patient safety, and

* ethics.