Dare to Be Great
By: AORN Staff
Published: 5/12/2023
Share:
How One Goal Boosted Morale, Energized a Team & Helped Improve Patient Safety
Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety Program Ignites Collaboration in NYC Hospital
Ensuring that every patient receives safe, exceptional care is what drives Ray Talatala, MAN, MN, RN, CNOR.
It’s a major reason why he decided to help lead his team to pursue a designation as an AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of RSI.
Talatala is the clinical nurse educator in a Level I trauma center at NYC Health + Hospitals. Since his department already had policies and a reporting structure in place, he thought the program would cement their commitment to providing excellent patient care and fostering a collaborative work environment.
“I love anything that pertains to patient safety,” Talatala said. “I think of all patients as a family member. At this hospital, we cater to everyone, and we want to give them the best care no matter what.”
The Process Begins
Talatala – who’s worked as an OR nurse for 11 years – moved to New York City about a year ago. He wanted to conduct more project work in his new position and approached the leadership team about the Center of Excellence program.
The process included gaining approval from the leadership team, a gap analysis (to access if his facility met the program’s criteria/requirements) and a presentation to staff. And although he expected some resistance, they embraced the idea.
They started the program in December with about 155 staff members, which included periop and labor and delivery nurses (who assist on C-sections), surgeons, nurse anesthetists, and surgical technologists. The staff started on the eight modules right away and official audits kicked off in January.
To keep the five-month program moving, Talatala held multiple meetings with the leadership team (to strategize) and sent regular emails to staff.
The program “ignited collaboration” Talatala said, while solidifying the staff’s commitment to not leaving behind any surgical items. He credited the staff’s dedication and a strong partnership with leadership to its success.
“It’s important to work closely with the leadership team so they can support you. And the program itself empowered people to continue to do the right thing based on the AORN Guidelines and the policies we have,” Talatala said.
“We were also first hospital in the system to achieve this, and it really boosted the morale of the staff. We work in a stressful environment, and sometimes you need the motivation of being part of a successful program. It demonstrates a team commitment to a culture of safety.”
Vital Learning
So, did Talatala and his team experience any revelations during the process?
Absolutely.
“The modules had new concepts that we didn’t know about, and the program corrected misconceptions and wrong practices related to surgical counts. It reinforced the importance of standardizing the count process, he said. “And moreover, it supported our organization in building a culture of safety where staff are empowered to speak up when miscounts and near-misses happen.”
Talatala said the immersive and team-based program also prepared the staff to be more proactive and compliant to the AORN recommended guidelines in preventing RSIs. He added that earning the recognition validates a life-long commitment to providing safe and quality perioperative care.
“It’s a product of teamwork and partnership, and the designation is both an honor and a responsibility,” he said.
“We continue to strive in upholding patient safety by integrating the best available evidence and using state-of-the-art adjunct technology. As the first hospital in the city of New York, we aim to inspire other facilities to venture into this evidence-based program so they too can highlight their commitment in protecting the patients and the community against RSIs.”
Are You Ready?
The nurse-driven program offers nurses the optimal platform to demonstrate their commitment to improving the practice, Talatala said. To get started, he advises leaders to conduct a gap analysis to determine if they’re ready to apply.
“Ultimately, organizations will benefit from this program,” he said.
“First, it provides their team free education and training to increase their competency in combating RSIs. Also, it protects them from any incidence of RSIs, because they will become more compliant and aware of the guidelines.
“It’s a win-win when you apply.”
Evidence-Based Education
Interested in having your facility recognized as an AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of RSI?
Learn more about AORN's complimentary education and recognition program for perioperative teams.
Related Nurses Month Articles
