Course Code: REL-ACU-0-SUSPO
Hours: 1.25
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Recognize the functions, classifications, and safety requirements of medical and surgical devices commonly used in the perioperative setting.
Describe evidence-based safety practices for the setup, use, and troubleshooting of equipment in the OR, such as electrosurgical units, lasers, and imaging systems.
Identify procedural and environmental factors that increase safety risks and appropriate corrective actions to maintain patient and staff safety in the OR.
Outline:
Section 1: Technology and Medical Devices in the OR
A New Day, A New Device
Technology Transformation in Surgery
Emerging Technologies in Surgery
Adapting to New Technologies
Implicit Bias: A Hidden Factor in OR Safety
Review
Medical Devices
Classification of Medical Devices
Malfunctioning Equipment and Devices
Responding to Equipment Malfunctions
Medical Device Incident Reporting
National Reporting and Surveillance
Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering
Ergonomic Hazards
Strategies for Improving Ergonomic Safety
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Common OR Equipment and Devices
Standard OR Equipment
Operating Tables
Surgical Lights
Surgical Booms
Surgical Displays
Patient Positioning Equipment
Review
Hybrid Operating Rooms (Hybrid ORs)
Integration Systems and Smart OR Technologies
Power Instruments and Drills
Best Practices for Powered Instruments and Drills
Pneumatic Tourniquets
Best Practices for Tourniquet Application
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Electricity and Electrosurgery
Principles of Electricity in the OR
Electricity Basics
Electrosurgery and Electrocautery: Key Concepts
Review
Electrosurgery Safety Considerations
Safe Handling of Active Electrodes
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Radiation Safety in the OR
Understanding Ionizing Radiation
Common Radiation-Emitting Equipment
Radiation Monitoring and Dose Tracking
Radiation Safety Principles: Time, Distance, and Shielding
Special Considerations for Fluoroscopy in Hybrid ORs
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Laser Technology
Overview of Laser Use in Surgery
Laser Classifications and Regulations
Clinical Laser Applications
Laser Safety
Preoperative Nursing Considerations
Intraoperative Protective Measures in the OR
Postoperative Considerations
Competency and Emergency Preparedness
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Subject Matter Expert: Brandy Verton, BSN, RN, CNOR
Brandy is a certified perioperative nurse with a background in both scrub and circulator roles across a variety of surgical specialties. She earned her BSN with summa cum laude honors from Capella University and has served as a Surgical Services Clinical Educator and Periop 101 instructor. Her early clinical experience on a postoperative and medical-surgical overflow unit shaped her commitment to patient-centered care and team collaboration. Throughout her career, she has contributed to hospital committees and process improvement efforts focused on safety, education, and quality outcomes. Brandy is passionate about creating practical, real-world education that helps clinicians feel supported in their work, build confidence in their skills, and continue delivering safe, effective care.
Instructor: Brian C Sheridan, CST
Brian is an accomplished certified surgical technologist with over 20 years of experience. He graduated cum laude on the Dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement with a certificate in Surgical Technology from Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. He is well-versed in a variety of specialties including multi-surgeon complex cancer cases. As a preceptor, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with new surgical technologists and nurses, teaching them the fundamentals of the scrub role. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Nursing Personnel; Surgical Personnel; in the following settings: Ambulatory Care, Hospitals: Acute, Hospitals: Critical Access (CAHs).
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.