How Safe Are We in the Operating Room? Examining Occupational Hazards (1 Class A CE)

Saturday, August 19, 2023

7:15 AM – 8:15 AM PDT

Location: CC Level 5- Ballroom 3

Speaker(s)

Rachel Smith-Steinert, DNP, CRNA (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor, Assistant Program Director of Clinical Services
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Slides
Tyler Davis-Sandfoss, DNP, CRNA (he/him/his)

CRNA/ Assistant Professor
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Rush University College of Nursing
Chicago, Illinois, United States

Currently, CRNAs are prone to occupational hazards from numerous sources. Physical sources stem from radiation and laser exposure as well as noise pollution. Chemical exposures related to inhalational agents increase provider risk. Biological risks have escalated in the recent past due to COVID exposure. Psychologic occupation hazards create stress related to workload and production pressure which can lead to burnout. Incivility and Microaggressions are common in the OR. Workplace violence such as hospital shootings and aggression towards healthcare workers have been documented to be on the rise. This lecture will discuss occupational risks as well as ways providers can mediate their effects.

Learning Objectives:

Define occupational hazards in the OR environment.
Provide examples of occupational hazards in the perioperative environment.
Discuss ways to combat occupational hazards to produce a safer environment and improve job satisfaction and provider health.