for Perioperative Nurses, NPs and RNFAs
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December 5, 2008 Vol. 1, No. 10 |
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Need Answers Now?
Call Emily! |
Whether you have questions about RNFA
training, credentialing, reimbursements,
state issues, or just want to "talk shop"
between cases, pick up the phone and call
Emily on the NIFA HOT LINE! She'll
answer your question or immediately
direct you to the right person for an answer. Call 1-800-92ASSIST, press 1. |
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From the Editor
 Did you see this morning's segment on CNN stating that, despite the poor economy, the health care industry is growing? In the first 11 months of 2008 alone, 348,000 new health care jobs have been
created ( play video*). One reason is the aging baby boomer population. That means more: workers,
facilities, and naturally . . . cases. Many perioperative nurses are seizing the current downturn as a perfect opportunity for training. In fact, over the past two months, NIFA has had an unprecedented number of nurses contact us to advance their education and subsequently their salary. Read more in NIFA Program Director Jeremy Gofton's letter, posted on our website. In a season that is bleak this year for many, this issue brings some good news - NIFA's first-ever financing options for students who would like to spread the expense of their training over several months. Scroll down for the story.  And finally, best wishes from all of us here at NIFA for a safe and happy holiday season. Julie Lancaster, Editor * If your browser has trouble finding the video using the above link, go to cnn.com and search for "job search, where to look." The video clip is dated 12/5/08. |
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News: Checklists in the OR
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Just as airplane pilots and copilots run through a safety checklist before the plane takes off, a comprehensive surgical checklist is about to become standard in all New York City hospitals.
 In a Nov. 26 report on WABC news, medical reporter Dr. Jay Adlersberg says, "Surgeons are voluntarily adopting the use of a comprehensive surgical checklist based on recommendations by the World Health Organization to help reduce the risk of complications and death. . . . The plan is designed to target the three biggest causes of mortality in surgery - preventable infections, preventable complications from bleeding and safety in anesthesia."
Click here for video and an article about the checklist. |
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Student Spotlight
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 Name: Lindsay Erickson
Credentials: RN, CNOR
City & State: From Mississippi; currently in Savannah, GA.
Work History: Nurse for 5 1/2 years. Circulator for 4 years. Has worked in several specialties in the past, with focus on bariatric, general, cardiovascular and orthopedic.
Current Job: Currently working at an orthopedic surgery center and a plastic surgery center in Savannah, GA, and working on clinical hours for her RNFA. "Mostly I am with an ortho surgeon specializing in spines, and I am also employed there as a circulator for their surgery center. I am learning about current surgical interventions to treat radiculopathy, spondylosis, herniated discs, etc. Also learning the instrumentation of Globus, Medtronic, and NuVasive. I also am getting experience with two plastic surgeons here in Savannah."
Quote: "Surgical staff are their own breed. You have to have a certain sense of humor to handle the good and the bad. . . . When you are on call, your coworkers become your family. You learn each other's moods, looks, quirks . . . . Also, surgery is cut off from the rest of the world, so people tend to stick together. I find that that environment helps us be able to feel comfortable enough to let someone know when they aren't doing something the way it should be done, or to policy, or to a code of ethics.
"I have found that I am more outspoken when it comes to my operating room, whether I am the circulator or the assistant . . . the operating room relationships between staff allow me or anyone else in that room to speak on behalf of the patient and do what is right for them. And almost all of the time, the comment is respected and almost always agreed on. Not all jobs are like that. I think it would be better if they were. I find that the OR teaches you to think on your feet, know when to be flexible and when to stand firm."
Off Work: "My spare time is spent with friends and my husband, Bruce, and our three dogs Rudy, Rolo, and Guinness. I enjoy traveling and football. Roll Tide!"
Photo: Lindsay Erickson and her husband Bruce.
Editor's note: Are you a student or a NIFA graduate who would be willing to share your story and a photo? If so, please contact Julie at news@nifa.com. Thanks!
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RNFA Tips
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The 2008 AORN Salary Survey and Calculator are now available! If you are an AORN member, you can go here to read the detailed compensation analysis or use the online salary calculator tool.
And if you're not a member, we encourage you to consider joining. AORN membership offers extensive benefits for perioperative nurses. |
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New! Financing Options
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For the first time ever, NIFA is offering financing as a way for students to fund their program. You can pay as little as $810 down, and payments of $199 per month - or 90 days, same as cash.
As past AORN Salary Surveys have shown, RNFA graduates make more. Many students are able to pay off their tuition and secure a bright financial future in less than a year.
Call us at 1-800-922-7741 (press 1) about our new pay plan options, or email us at rnfa@nifa.com. No eligible nurse will be turned down.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of NIFA. NIFA does not give any express or implied warranty as to accuracy of statements made by our contributors and does not accept any liability for error or omission. It is the responsibility of all perioperative personnel to work within and adhere to their facility bylaws and individual State scope of practice.
 The National Institute for First Assisting (NIFA) is the nation's leader of distance learning RNFA programs. NIFA students receive over 54 hours of simulated skills, hands-on lab training at our SutureStar Workshops. NIFA's RNFA programs are CCI-accepted and meet all standards as set forth by the AORN for formal RN First Assistant programs, taking Perioperative Nurses and NPs to expert levels in the expanded role of Registered Nurse First Assistant. |
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