When surgery is performed and an energy device is used, it can create surgical smoke that may put the OR team at risk. The good news is that there are ways to mitigate surgical smoke exposure that can improve OR air quality. Because perioperative nurses have long been vital advocates for OR safety, the Johnson & Johnson Institute is offering a new online course for them that presents actionable treatment practices and technology for surgical smoke evacuation. The online continuing education (CE) course can also be used to maintain a license or certification requirement. Learn more here Nurse Education - On-demand Learning | Johnson & Johnson Institute (jnjinstitute.com)
COVID-19 Heightens Need for Education
In the age of COVID-19, there is even greater need to address the issue because electrosurgical smoke, which is the by-product of dissecting or cauterizing tissue with energy, has been shown to contain bacteria and viruses1. While at this time, it remains unknown if the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can be transmitted through surgical smoke2, it has increased the awareness for the potential for viral contamination and the need for smoke evacuation that may help to minimize the risks of transmission.
“Perioperative nurses often hold the key to establishing updated protocols and elevating hospital standards to reduce surgical smoke exposure,” said Marcia Found, RN, Manager Professional Education, North East Area. “That’s why we are pleased to provide education and training that supports their goals to reduce surgical smoke and drive compliance for the benefit of every member of the operating room team.”
The Johnson & Johnson Institute’s on-demand learning for nurses has been developed in accordance with best practices and standards related to a variety of clinical specialties. The courses are credentialed through the California Board of Nursing, license # 10827 and are provided at no charge. Additional information and registration information can be found on the educational portal at: Nurse Education - On-demand Learning | Johnson & Johnson Institute (jnjinstitute.com).
1. Eickmann U, Falcy M, Fokuhl I, Rüegger M, Bloch M et al. (2011) Surgical smoke: Risks and preventive measures. International Section of the ISSA on prevention of occupational risks in health services Hamburg, Germany 5-40.
2. AORN - COVID-19 FAQs [https://www.aorn.org/guidelines/aorn-support/covid19-faqs] Accessed 4/30/2020
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