Infection Prevention: Global Challenges & Local Solutions
Despite the many amazing advancements in modern medicine, surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a problem for hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) nationwide.
Spotlight On: Katelynn Vaughan
Almost any OR nurse can tell you about the lack of exposure to perioperative education in most nursing schools. Katelynn Vaughan is determined to do something about this.
Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes
Warm weather offers a perfect opportunity for a meal reset inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean.
Continued Growth Expected for Wound Care Market
The U.S. wound care market was valued at $8.63 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.11% from 2024 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.
NEWS
New AAMI Level 4 Decontamination Gown Purpose-Built for SPD Announced
Healthmark, a Getinge company, has announced its new AAMI Level 4 Decontamination Gown, designed specifically to support sterile processing professionals working in high-fluid, high-exposure decontamination environments. At Healthmark, every day begins with a focus on...
Getinge Launches Vasoview Hemopro 3, Advancing Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting
Getinge recently launched the Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting (EVH) System, including the Hemopro 3 Harvesting Tool and dedicated Hemopro 3 Power Supply. Designed for clinicians, by clinicians, the system represents the latest evolution of Getinge’s...
Firearm Safety Screening Tool Available to Epic Health Systems Nationwide
A simple conversation lasting just seconds could prevent a tragedy. That’s the premise behind Northwell Health’s patient firearm safety screening tool, which was integrated into the May 2026 version of Epic’s electronic health record (EHR) system and made available to...
ASCA Board Elects New President
The board members of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association elected Todd Currier, CASC, CEO and administrator of Bend Surgery Center in Bend, Oregon, as the new board president. Headquartered in Alexandria, ASCA is the national trade association that represents...
Full report released: Surgery centers generate billions in Medicare savings
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association has published a full report from KNG Health Consulting that illuminates the immense savings benefits that ambulatory surgery centers provide for the Medicare program. By analyzing Medicare claims data, KNG determined that...
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Technology in Perioperative Certification: Why CCI’s New CMS Matters to Nurses
CCI’s new CMS replaces a legacy portal with a platform designed around the realities of perioperative nursing. One of the most significant changes is the move to continuous testing.
From Circulator to Coach, Building Leadership Through CCI Volunteerism
As National Volunteer Week (April 19-25) approaches, perioperative nurses nationwide are taking time to elevate their profession through service. For many, volunteering with the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) is more than giving back – it’s a strategic path to developing leadership skills that support career growth and strengthen patient care (Journal of Applied Psychology).
My, How Things Have Changed
I recently reviewed a number of articles on the evolution of Ambulatory Surgery including the recent thought-provoking article, “The ASC Surge”, in the Winter 2026 issue of OR Today.1 These articles prompted some reflection on the evolution of ambulatory surgery. When I began working in perioperative nursing in the mid-1980s our total joint cases, whether knees or hips, had a lengthy inpatient hospital stay. In comparison, total knee arthroplasties are now routinely scheduled as outpatient procedures for healthy patients and outpatient hip replacements are possible for some patients.
ASCQC Provides Valuable Tools to ASCs
The ASC Quality Collaboration (ASCQC) brings together leaders from across the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) community – such as associations like the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), accrediting organizations, management companies and state associations – to advance patient safety and quality of care in surgery centers.
Transitioning to a 14-Day Endoscope Hang Time
How long do you hang your endoscopes after processing? In the latest episode of the Below the Hospital podcast, host Garland-Rhea Grisby Sr. sat down with Margaret Gilman, director of infection prevention in the department of quality and safety at Nemours Children’s Health to discuss her facility’s transition to a 14-day hang time and the research that backed it up.
SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight On: Kim Tuemler, JD, BSN, RN, CNOR
There are a lot of different paths than can lead someone into the perioperative nursing field. But it’s probably safe to say that very few nurses have followed the path taken by Kim Tuemler.
Spotlight On: Michael Rempel
You might not have ever thought about the parallels between a perioperative team and a hockey team, but Michael Rempel sees similarities. Michael grew up playing hockey in Brooklyn, N.Y., and when he got his first exposure to the OR while in nursing school, he observed the similarities right away.
Spotlight On: Jeff Keane
Some people know at a really young age what they want to be when they grow up. Jeff Keane says he knew he wanted to be a nurse when he was in preschool.
Spotlight On: Ruth Plotkin Shumaker, MS, BSN, RN, CNOR
Most successful people, regardless of their career, can point to a mentor who helped and encouraged them at a critical juncture. Ruth Plotkin Shumaker, MS, BSN, RN, CNOR is no exception.
Spotlight On: Leigh Ann Bartlett, MSN, RN, CNOR
If variety is the spice of life, Leigh Ann Bartlett’s nursing career is as hot as a ghost pepper. Leigh Anne’s nursing career began in 1995 on a Progressive Care Unit at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Health Wayne, formerly Wayne Memorial Hospital, in Goldsboro, N.C.
PRODUCT SHOWROOM
Surgical Equipment Market Growth Continues
Grand View Research reports that the global surgical equipment market size was estimated at $18.37 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $31.58 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.54% from 2025 to 2030. Factors such as an increase in the incidence of lifestyle disorders that eventually require surgery, rising healthcare costs and large unmet surgical needs are mainly driving market growth.
Encompass Thermoflect products
In today’s demanding surgical landscape, healthcare teams need every tool working in their favor. Maintaining normothermia is not only a clinical priority – it’s a critical strategy in reducing the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). That’s...
Aesculap SQ.line KERRISON Bone Punches
As an industry leader in sterile processing and operating room solutions, Aesculap continues to raise the bar with its next generation of bone punches, SQ.line KERRISON Bone Punches. Designed specifically to meet the demands of spinal and cranial neurosurgery, SQ.line KERRISON Bone Punches help to ensure the surgeon and staff are equipped with a dependable and comfortable instrument.
SurgiSmoke Solutions Flamingo Funnel
SurgiSmoke Solutions is pioneering the future of operating room air safety through its hands-free smoke and bioaerosol capture technology. The Flamingo Funnel family of devices outperforms traditional smoke evacuation pens – removing nearly twice as much smoke – while offering a hands-free, non-obstructive footprint optimized for modern surgical workflows.
KODA Ideaworks HypoHolder
HypoHolder is an innovative needle safety device designed to reduce needlestick injuries during hypodermic needle handling in the operating room. Developed by surgical clinicians with decades of firsthand OR experience, HypoHolder addresses the highest-risk moments of hypodermic needle handling, including uncapping, recapping and temporary stabilization during procedures.
OR Today Fall 2025
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OUT OF THE OR
Three Kettlebell Moves to Build Strength, Stability and Power
This versatile training tool can improve strength, joint stability, coordination and overall athletic performance – all while delivering an efficient full-body workout.
OR Today Contest Winner: June 2026
Love reading OR Today? TELL US WHY! Everyone likes FREE stuff and we want to hear from our readers! It is a win-win for everyone involved. Please take a moment to tell us what you like about OR Today magazine. PLUS you could win a $25 gift card! Simply go...
OR Today Contest Winner: June 2026
Love reading OR Today? TELL US WHY! Everyone likes FREE stuff and we want to hear from our readers! It is a win-win for everyone involved. Please take a moment to tell us what you like about OR Today magazine. PLUS you could win a $25 gift card! Simply go...
Three Kettlebell Moves to Build Strength, Stability and Power
This versatile training tool can improve strength, joint stability, coordination and overall athletic performance – all while delivering an efficient full-body workout.
Walk More to Stress Less: Get Moving to Improve Well-Being
Research continues to show physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood and promotes overall well-being.
Busy Families Can Balance Time, Taste & Nutrition
With snackers increasingly mindful about what they put in their bodies, you’re not alone if you’re looking for a snacking shakeup
Why Simple Daily Habits Matter
Small, repeatable choices around sleep, exercise, nutrition, mental well-being and social connection can support how the body and mind function over time.
Savvy Weeknight Family Meal
Because this time of year can be crazy busy, drive-thru meals can easily become the norm. While fast-food burgers may do the trick once in a while, they can get old quick if your family is eating them every other night. This quick and easy Baked Spaghetti can bring everybody back to the table and it won’t break the bank either.
Why Simple Daily Habits Matter
Small, repeatable choices around sleep, exercise, nutrition, mental well-being and social connection can support how the body and mind function over time.
