AORN Journal: Opportunities from the center for perioperative education

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Opportunities from the center for perioperative education

PERIOPERATIVE NURSING COURSE 101

AORN's Perioperative Nursing Course 101 is a convenient program for educating and orienting new perioperative nurses. This comprehensive curriculum covers 25 crucial topics in a scripted lecture format and is designed to be integrated with your facility's specific policies and procedures.

Perioperative Nursing Course 101 will help you develop confident, better educated, safety-conscious employees. The course includes overviews, reading assignments, glossaries, bibliographies, posttests, preceptor guidelines, PowerPoint presentations, a critical skills assessment checklist, a newly revised "Preparing the Preceptor" module with free contact hours, and more. For a free information packet, contact AORN customer service at (800) 755-2676 x 1 or visit AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/education/periop101.htm.

AORN CONFERENCES

Preparing for the CNOR Examination

June 5-6, 2004

Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Fla

This two-day program will alleviate participants' fear of taking the CNOR examination by walking them through the examination's format. Subject areas will be related to clinical situations with which perioperative nurses are familiar. The program also will provide effective test-taking strategies and a framework to help participants develop their own plan for continued examination preparation. This conference is underwritten by Tampa General Hospital.

2004 Focus on Leadership: Celebrating Our Value

July 16-18, 2004

Denver Marriott City Center, Denver

The 2004 AORN Leadership Conference has been redesigned as a highly interactive event. The weekend of activities begins with a reception at AORN Headquarters on Friday evening. On Saturday and Sunday, the conference will offer inspiring ideas and thought-provoking speakers. You will leave with tools to help you be a more effective leader. Join us for an exciting weekend of education, networking, and fun.

Discover Nursing Excellence in Your Ambulatory Surgery Center--Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association (FASA) Conference

Sept 10, 2004

Hyatt Regency Columbus, Columbus, Ohio

Join FASA in Columbus, the location for this year's only meeting devoted to ambulatory surgery center (ASC) nursing. Designed for nurse managers or those aspiring to leadership roles in ASCs, this meeting offers sessions on sleep apnea, fire in the OR, leadership in nursing, a legislative update, and more. Use this opportunity to network with other nurses leading the ASC industry. Certified ASC administrator education units are available. This conference is being offered as a preconference to AORN's Ambulatory/Office-based Surgery Multispecialty Conference (see page 1066).

AORN Public Policy Conference and Advocacy Day 2004

Sept 20-21, 2004

Marriott at Metro Center, Washington, DC

This program follows the Business, Educator, Leadership, Entrepreneurial Multispecialty Conference (see page 1067). It is the premier opportunity for AORN members to advocate for perioperative nursing. This event also is designed to promote AORN's legislative priorities by allowing members to meet directly with elected representatives in the US Congress. The two-day event features education sessions that focus on effective lobbying, informational displays about public policy, and a trip to Capitol Hill for face-to-face visits with members of Congress and their staff members. On election day, one vote makes a difference. On Advocacy Day, your voice makes a difference.

Preparing for the CNOR Examination

Nov 6-7, 2004

St Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston

AORN MULTISPECIALTY CONFERENCES

AORN will hold four multispecialty conferences in 2004. Each conference will have a theme and target multiple specialty areas. Education content for several of the specialty areas will be included in more than one conference. Perioperative nurses will have the opportunity to select the conferences that best meet their educational needs. For more information about each conference, visit AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/events/default.htm.

AMBULATORY/ OFFICE-BASED SURGERY

Sept 11-12, 2004

Hyatt Regency Columbus Columbus, Ohio

This conference targets ambulatory, ophthalmology, integrated health practices, and rural/small hospital specialties. It also focuses on the needs of RN first assistants (RNFAs) and advanced practice nurses.

BUSINESS, EDUCATOR, LEADERSHIP, ENTREPRENEURIAL

Sept 18-19, 2004

Marriott at Metro Center Washington, DC

This conference targets business, industry, consulting, management, and informatics specialists. It also focuses on the needs of nursing leaders, nurse educators, and clinical nurse specialists.

CLINICAL--INPATIENT AND AMBULATORY

Oct 16-17, 2004

The Westin Casuarina Las Vegas, Las Vegas

This conference's targeted specialties are orthopedics, cardiothoracics, neurosurgery, RN first assisting, pediatrics, minimally invasive surgery, lasers, and rural/small hospitals. The RNFA Forum will be included in this conference.

TRAUMA

Oct 30-31, 2004

Dallas-Addison Marriott by the Galleria, Dallas

This conference addresses the care and management of injured patients across all age groups and specialty areas. No matter what specialty you work in, you will learn techniques that will help you address the needs of trauma patients and their family members.

DISTANCE LEARNING

Visit http://www.aorn.org/education for the latest quality continuing education. AORN Journal Home Studies published since May 2001 are available online at http://www.aorn.org/journal/homestudy/default.htm. The Home Studies are available in portable document format to print and complete. Use these programs to earn contact hours and stay abreast of the latest nursing information.

Preparing for the CNOR Examination--online version. This program will alleviate participants' fear of taking the CNOR examination by walking them through the examination's format. Subject areas will be related to clinical situations with which perioperative nurses are familiar. The program also will provide effective test-taking strategies. This two-week online program debuts May 10-24, 2004, and also will be offered Aug 9-23, 2004, and Oct 4-18, 2004. Visit AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/events/cnor.htm for more information.

RN to Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Nursing. AORN and file University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (UCHSC) School of Nursing, Denver, offer preferred tuition rates to AORN members for an online RN to BS program. All courses are conducted entirely via the Internet. Nurses can progress from a diploma or an associate's degree to a bachelor's degree in nursing. The UCHSC School of Nursing validates students' previous nursing education according to the Colorado Nursing Articulation Model. Approved credits can be applied toward a bachelor's degree. Visit http://www.uchsc.edu/nursing/rnbspromo.htm or http://www.aorn.org/education/rnbsn.htm for more information. You also may contact the UCHSC School of Nursing's office of professional development at (303) 315-8691 or via e-mail at professional.development@UCHSC.edu, or contact Katherine Halverson-Carpenter, RN, MBA, CNOR, at (800) 755-2676 x 244 or via e-mail at khalverson-carpenter@aorn.org.

Clinical Educator Certificate Program. This convenient, comprehensive, distance-learning program gives nurse educators information to develop successful education programs for nurses in their facilities. The program is offered by AORN in collaboration with the UCHSC School of Nursing. The three courses, which provide a total of six academic credits, are credentialed at the graduate level but also are applicable to most undergraduate programs. The next offerings are

* June 7, to Aug 13, 2004--Program Development and Evaluation;

* Aug 30, to Dec 17, 2004--Principles of Clinical Teaching and Learning; and

* Jan 24, to May 20, 2005--Business Issues in Clinical Education.

For course syllabi and registration information, visit AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/education/cueducator.htm, contact Holly Heston at (800) 755-2676 x 318 or via e-mail at hheston@aorn.org, or call the UCHSC School of Nursing's office of professional development at (303) 315-8691.

Perioperative Management Certificate Program. This certificate program is offered in collaboration with the UCHSC School of Nursing. The program is ideal for any perioperative professional with a bachelor's degree in nursing who wants to improve his or her skills in management and leadership with a goal of successfully managing single or multiple perioperative nursing departments. The three courses, which provide a total of 10 academic credits, include

* June 7, to Aug 13, 2004--Health Care Financial Management;

* Aug 30, to Dec 17, 2004--Leadership and Management; and

* Jan 24, to May 20, 2005--Management of Patient Care Services (tentative).

For more information, visit AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/education/management.htm, contact Holly Heston at (800) 755-2676 x 318 or via e-mail at hheston@aorn.org, or call the UCHSC School of Nursing's office of professional development at (303) 315-8691.

Nursing Informatics Certificate Program. AORN and the UCHSC School of Nursing are offering preferred tuition rates to AORN members for an online nursing informatics certificate program. Health care informatics is an interdisciplinary field that draws on knowledge from computer information and health sciences. This program uses informatics as a broad framework with a specific focus on nursing. The course work in the certificate program is conceptualized using the American Nurses Association's new definition of nursing informatics. The certificate program courses focus on the core content for nursing informatics. The courses provide a total of 16 academic credits at the graduate level. The course schedule is as follows:

* June 7, to Aug 13, 2004--

** Health Communications;

** Knowledge Systems;

* Aug 30, to Dec 17, 2004

** Information Management for Decision Support;

** Information Systems Life Cycle;

** Tele-health Applications; and

* Jan 24, to May 20, 2005--

** Nursing Terminologies;

** Information Systems Life Cycle;

** Database Management Systems.

For more information, contact Katherine Halverson-Carpenter at (800) 755-2676 x 244 or via e-mail at khalversoncarpenter.@aorn.org, visit http://www.aorn.org/education/informatics.htm, or call the UCHSC School of Nursing's office of professional development at (303) 315-8691 or e-mail professional.development@uchsc.edu.

Ambulatory Surgery Administrator Certificate Program. This six-month online program will be offered twice in 2004. The first program begins May 3-4, with an introductory seminar at the Marriott Courtyard Scottsdale North, Scottsdale, Ariz. The second program begins Sept 13-14, with an introductory seminar at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, Columbus, Ohio. The program will provide the skills and tools needed to manage every aspect of an ambulatory surgery practice, from daily operations to regulatory requirements. After the initial seminar, participants will complete 11 online modules.

On completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and 62 contact hours. The program is ideal for those who are new to the business of ambulatory surgery, are new to the administrative role, or want to improve their existing skills. For more information, visit AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/education/amb.htm or contact Holly Heston at (800) 755-2676 x 318 or via e-mail at hheston@aorn.org.

Free 1.5 contact hours for online patient safety program. Free contact hours are available via an AORN Online program, "Patient Safety in the OR." The goal of this program is to provide information to perioperative nurses about medical errors and adverse events in perioperative settings. Topics include definition of a medical error, frequency and types of medical errors, the contribution of system flaws to medical errors, and identifying risks for medical errors. Visit http://www.patientsafetyfirst.org/continuing_education to use this free program.

Free contact hour. Learn about the Perioperative Nursing Data Set, test your knowledge, and receive one free contact hour. Visit http://www.aorn.org/PNDS/default.htm, complete the course, and print your one contact hour certificate online.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT HOURS

Contact hour opportunities may be used independently or to educate other perioperative staff members. Nurses can earn continuing education contact hours by purchasing and reading or viewing the following material.

CD-ROM

Education themes available on CD-ROM include

* critical issues in the perioperative practice setting and

* safety in the perioperative setting.

Each CD-ROM contains five to six education sessions. All sessions about safety in the perioperative setting apply toward the four contact hours needed for the 10% professional liability credit available to AORN members. These contact hours can be earned until Dec 31, 2004. The CD-ROMs are available from Sound Images, Inc. For more information or to order, call (888) 649-1118, visit http://www.soundimages.net/conference.aspx?cfsi=155, or send an e-mail to service@soundimages.net.

VIDEOTAPES

Educational videotapes, most of which include independent studies, are available through the AORN perioperative nursing videotape library. Videotapes available for purchase address several issues, including

* clinical topics,

* communication and conflict resolution,

* infection control,

* patient and family member education topics, and

* patient and staff member safety.

Contact hours are available for most studies through June 30, 2004; for some studies, contact hours are available through 2005 or 2006. Group rates for contact hours also are available; for details, visit http://www.aorn.org/education/videos.htm. To obtain a catalog, call AORN customer service at (800) 755-2676 x 1 or Cine-Med at (800) 633-0004, or visit http://www.cine-med.com and click on "Nursing."

Videotape independent studies. The following 11 videotape/independent studies, worth 1.2 contact hours each, are available from the Sixth Conference on Infectious Diseases:

* Antibiotic Resistance;

* Bioterrorism;

* Can Glove Powder Alter the Risk of Infection;

* Disinfection and Sterilization;

* Hand Hygiene and Antisepsis;

* Hepatitis C;

* Medical Malpractice;

* Nosocomial Aerosols in the OR Environment;

* Outbreak Investigations;

* Preventing AntibioticResistant Infections by Preventing Patient-to-Patient Spread; and

* Surgical Site Infection: Old Problem, New Look.

The deadline to apply for contact hours for these independent studies is June 30, 2004. Group rates for contact hours also are available. These videotapes may be purchased by calling AORN customer service at (800) 755-2676 x 1.

An independent study program based on AORN's 2004 Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines is available for 25 contact hours. A minimum score of 80% is necessary to earn the contact hours. The deadline for submitting the posttest is March 31, 2005. The purchase price includes the contact hour fee.

Ambulatory surgery independent study activity. AORN's independent study activity based on Ambulatory Surgery Principles and Practices, third edition, is a valuable resource for perioperative nurses practicing in ambulatory surgery settings. The study guide is available separately or with the third edition of the book at a discounted package price. Completion of this independent study earns 2.1 contact hours. Order a copy by calling customer service at (800) 755-2676 x 1, or order online at http://www.aorn.org.

The following independent studies also are available for purchase:

* 02085--The Many Aspects of Teamwork (1.0 contact hour),

* 02086--Methods for Improving Patient Care (3.5 contact hours), and

* 02087--Transfusion is Not the Only Option (5.5 contact hours).

The purchase price includes handouts, scan sheets, and the contact hour fee for one person. The deadline to apply for contact hours for these independent studies is April 30, 2005. These studies may be purchased by calling AORN customer service at (800) 755-2676 x 1.

New independent studies for managers. AORN is developing a series of perioperative management resources to meet the needs of both current OR managers and staff nurses who are considering moving into managerial roles. These resources will consist of printed manuals, online modules, and one-day regional seminars. The first three manuals--Time Management, Statistics, and Budgeting--are available now. New manuals and online modules will be released throughout the year. Seminars are scheduled to begin this summer. For more information, call Susan Root, RN, MSN, CNOR, at (800) 755-2676 x 243.

Contact hours also may be obtained through Home Study Programs in the AORN Journal. New Home Studies are published every month.

GROUP STUDY MODULES

AORN's Center for Perioperative Education has inservice programs, education, and specialty modules to assist you in making presentations to your peers and staff members. They are designed to help orient new nurses or assist in providing staff members with information about various required topics. Most modules are designed to be presented within one hour.

All modules contain a printed study guide with visual aids formatted in PowerPoint and are available on CD-ROM only. The modules are in a scripted format for the instructor. Stopping points included in each module facilitate discussion of specific facility policies and procedures, as well as various aspects of the module, and provide an opportunity for group interaction. AORN's Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines is used as a blueprint for the presentations.

The following inservice program modules are available:

* Aseptic Technique,

* Disaster Preparedness,

* Electrical Safety,

* Fire Safety,

* OSHA Regulations,

* Radiation Protection in the Perioperative Suite,

* Skin Preparation, and

* Standard and Transmission

Based Precautions. Contact hours for the following modules are available through June 30, 2004:

* Care of the Elderly Patient,

* Care of the Pediatric Patient,

* Implementing an Event-Related Sterility Maintenance Policy,

* Inadvertent Perioperative Hypothermia,

* Laser Safety,

* Latex Allergy, and

* Positioning the Surgical Patient.

The following specialty modules that offer contact hours also are available through June 30, 2004:

* cardiovascular,

* neurosurgery,

* ophthalmology,

* orthopedics,

* otorhinolaryngology,

* pediatrics, and

* plastic/reconstructive surgery.

Preparing the Preceptor Module. This recently revised preceptor module from AORN's Perioperative Nursing Course 101 is available for sale separately. Use of this education module will provide the opportunity for experienced clinicians in your OR to practice building their precepting skills with some helpful coaching, using the most current knowledge available. Two contact hours are awarded for completion of this module. To order modules, call AORN customer service at (800) 755-2676 x 1.

REGISTRATION

Single-day attendance is possible at most activities. Fees vary, and details of refunds and substitutions are specific to each event. To receive a brochure, call AORN customer service at (800) 755-2676 x 1. AORN ensures that no individual with a mobility, visual, or hearing disability is excluded, denied services, or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids or services. For information, visit AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/education.

ACCREDITATION

AORN is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. AORN recognizes these activities as continuing education for registered nurses. This recognition does not imply that AORN or the American Nurses Credentialing Center approves or endorses products mentioned in the activity. AORN is provider-approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 13019.

Editor's note: PowerPoint is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp, Redmond, Wash.