The process of dealing with death in the OR is often not discussed and there is limited exposure and research on this topic. Speaking from her 10 years of experience in perioperative nursing, Joanne D. Muyco, MSN, RN, CNOR, cardiovascular OR manager at Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas, will provide information on how nurses deal with, understand, and participate in the care of a patient who experiences sudden death in the OR. She will also explore evidence-based recommendations for how to cope and deal with sudden death in the OR and share interventions that demonstrate compassionate care for the patient, family members, and the nursing team.
AORN Journal: How did you become interested in the topic you will be presenting at the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo 2022?
Muyco: Many perioperative nurses consider perioperative death as “taboo” or something that does not occur in the OR. I experienced my first perioperative death as a graduate nurse in the OR, and that experience greatly impacted my understanding of how perioperative nurses provide care after death— not just to the patient and family— but to the perioperative team as well. I realized that OR nurses, no matter how experienced or tenured, are often not prepared for the aftermath of perioperative death, and there is a unique opportunity for us to explore how we can make perioperative death a positive learning experience for all who are involved.
AORN Journal: Why is this an important and timely topic to present at this year’s conference?
Muyco: The COVID- 19 pandemic halted many elective surgeries and forced others to postpone their procedures. Patients now have higher acuity and need more complex care. While the goal of surgical intervention is better health outcomes, the possibility exists that this may not be realistic for all our patients, especially as their acuity increases and their care becomes more complex. Perioperative nurses must be able to address all aspects of care that may be involved with their patient, including care after death.
AORN Journal: How does this topic apply to different nurse roles (eg, staff RNs, educators, leaders/managers)?
Muyco: This topic is relevant to nurses in all roles because perioperative death can impact anyone who is directly or indirectly involved. Staff nurses will be able to understand their role in providing compassionate care to the patient and the family after perioperative death. Nurse educators and leaders will learn ways to support frontline staff, the perioperative team involved, and each other when death occurs. Education on perioperative death and how to provide compassionate care to all members involved can turn a traumatic event into a positive experience that everyone can learn and grow from.
AORN Journal: How can attendees embrace the insights you will be sharing during your session to help transform their practice?
Muyco: Nurses can use a variety of evidence-based interventions to help provide compassionate care for the patient, family, and perioperative team. During my presentation, I will identify specific interventions, resources, and tools that can be used for nurses to practice compassionate care after death. By providing compassionate care for all members involved in a perioperative death, we can create a positive learning experience that encourages continued growth and development and enhances the care after death practices of the perioperative team.
Hear more about how nurses can better cope with sudden death in the OR and deal with the needs of patient families. Muyco also will show some tools and resources she developed. Her education session is 8am Wednesday March 23.
