Myrtue is Recognized with the Go ClearTM Award as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety

The Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), representing more than 200,000 surgical nurses across the country, has named Myrtue Medical Center as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation. This award recognizes the medical center for its commitment to patient and workplace safety by taking a comprehensive approach to ensuring a smoke-free environment wherever surgical smoke is generated.

AORN’s Go Clear Award signifies that Myrtue Medical Center’s surgical team has successfully completed the comprehensive, evidence-based program and adopted technologies to ensure a surgical smoke-free environment for its patients and staff.

“Surgical smoke occurs every day in operating rooms and poses health risks to those exposed to it. AORN created this program so that every facility can understand the urgency and take steps to protect the health and safety of patients, nurses, doctors and support staff,” said AORN CEO & Executive Director Linda Groah, MSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, FAAN. “This Center of Excellence for Surgical Safety designation shows the community that the surgical teams at Myrtue are committed to providing high-quality care.”

“Implementing a surgical smoke-free environment in the operating rooms not only increases patient safety, it improves the health and safety of the staff, “said Rachael Cronin, RN Surgery First Assistant (RNFA). “I am proud to be a part of a team that supports each other and strives to give the best care possible.”

Surgical smoke is a hazardous byproduct of any surgery involving a laser or an electrosurgical unit. Although research, professional organizations, and the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) identified surgical smoke as harmful many years ago, this byproduct continues to be a safety hazard in the operating room. The Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation (Go Clear^TM) Program was developed to help perioperative teams improve safety efforts and protect staff and patients from the hazards of surgical smoke.

"We are honored to receive this award for our perioperative department,” said Director of Surgery & Specialty Clinics, Nicole Ohlinger. “It is truly commendable to see staff members like Rachael Cronin, RNFA, taking the initiative to ensure that Myrtue Medical Center not only meets but also surpasses safety standards. She is encouraging an environment where patient and employee well-being is prioritized. Myrtue recently received a 5-star rating for both patient and overall experience. Rachael’s efforts are a perfect example of our team members going above and beyond to continually improve the quality of care provided to our patients."