OR nurses Josie Mangarin, BSN, RN and Miranda Wyatt, RN, CNOR are active members of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). Their commitment to ongoing education and evidence-based practice directly enhances patient care and safety.
Mangarin demonstrated leadership in maintaining normothermia to prevent Surgical Site Infections (SSIs). By implementing and reinforcing AORN guidelines on active warming devices and prewarming techniques, she ensured that patients at risk of hypothermia were effectively managed throughout the perioperative period. Her collaborative approach with the surgical team and multi-modal warming strategies, including warming blankets and fluid warmers, played a key role in reducing infection risks and improving patient outcomes.
Wyatt successfully implemented AORN’s Sterile Technique Guidelines to reduce environmental contamination in the operating room. Recognizing the impact of door openings on room pressurization and airflow, she encouraged the team to open the door when necessary and minimize movement around the sterile field. Additionally, she worked with perioperative leadership to install door swing counters, which tracked door openings and helped raise awareness about their potential effect on maintaining a sterile environment. This initiative improved infection control and fostered a culture of vigilance and adherence to sterile technique.
These examples highlight nurses’ vital role in ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care. Their involvement in professional organizations enables them to stay informed on best practices, advocate for patient safety, and lead improvements in clinical outcomes, further solidifying their indispensable contribution to the healthcare team.