The Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU) and Main Operating Room (OR) at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center have been designated Centers of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of Retained Surgical Instruments (RSI) by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). This national recognition reflects exemplary leadership, strict adherence to evidence-based perioperative standards, and a strong commitment to surgical safety.
Achieving this distinction shows Sacramento’s perioperative nurses’ and interdisciplinary surgical teams’ dedication to preventing retained surgical items, one of the most serious and preventable surgical events. Through careful practice, strong teamwork, and consistent use of safety protocols, the ASU and Main OR supported Kaiser Permanente’s goal of zero harm and advanced high reliability in perioperative care.
To earn this Center of Excellence designation, the teams implemented comprehensive prevention strategies aligned with AORN guidelines, including standardized surgical counts, tracking technologies where applicable, staff education, competency validation, and ongoing auditing to ensure sustained compliance and improvement.
“Safety is a shared responsibility,” said Jay Robinson, PsyD, MBA, Senior Vice President and Area Manager, Sacramento and South Sacramento. “This recognition reflects the team’s commitment to clinical excellence and high reliability. Their vigilance in preventing retained surgical instruments protects both patients and staff and elevates the standard of care.”
The AORN Center of Excellence designation underscores the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, clinical leadership, and strong nurse advocacy for safer surgical practices. This achievement also supports the People & Practice Environment strategic pillar by fostering a safer, healthier, more empowering workplace for clinicians.
These initiatives reflect an unwavering commitment not only to patient safety, but also to fostering a supportive, high-reliability environment for surgical staff.
“To keep pace with evolving surgical safety practices, facilities must adapt,” said David Wyatt, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN, AORN CEO & Executive Director. “This Center of Excellence designation reflects that commitment.”
“This award highlights the nurses’ expertise, precision, and commitment to excellence,” added Esperanza Chavez, MSA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nurse Executive, Sacramento. “Our perioperative teams exemplify leadership through innovation, compassion, and evidence-based practice.”