TMCA Welcomes International Nurses

by Julie Martin, AVP Surgery

On March 17, 2010 TMCA had the opportunity to host over 50 international nurses from China, Finland, Sweden, Taiwan and Korea during the annual AORN (Association of periOperative Nurses) conference.  The conference was held in Denver for the first time since 1962.  The goal of our hosting experience was to share and transfer knowledge pertaining to perioperative practices with the global nurses.  A classroom presentation kicked off the event with discussions by Carol Gregory, CNO on the Mission, Vision and Values, Magnet journey and the culture of physician and nurse collaboration.  Julie Martin, AVP Surgical Services, addressed requested information on the perioperative organizational structure, technology (such as the DBS, daVinci and VADs) and the patient flow.  Mary Jo Steiert, Director of South OR completed the formal presentation by reviewing infection control practices, quality measures including SCIP and the Perioperative 101 course for training new surgery nurses.

The international nurses then toured the perioperative setting including Preop/SDS, OR, PACU and CS.  The Chinese delegation was extremely interested in the set up of our operating rooms and the daVinci robot.  They relayed that the hospitals in China are either very modern or very old.  Most are very large, some with 2,500 beds!  Many photos of equipment and supplies were taken by our international guests. They graciously presented us with gifts displaying their popular character “Lucky” which will be donated to the pediatric unit.  A special thank to Anita Wong, Divisional ITS and Out Whitmer, RN ICU who joined in welcoming the guests at a reception.