Course Code: REL-ACU-0-POPO
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Explain the principles of sterile technique and key considerations for maintaining a contamination-free surgical field.
Discuss proper techniques for maneuvering within and around the sterile field while ensuring aseptic integrity.
Recall best practices for handling surgical instruments to seamlessly support the surgeon and maintain procedural efficiency.
Outline:
Section 1: Sterility Concepts
Emily’s OR Journey
Aseptic Versus Sterile Technique
Surgical Conscience
Spaulding Classification System
Surgical Hand Scrub
Surgical Hand Rub
Emily’s OR Journey: First Hand Scrub
Sterile Attire
Double Gloving
Creating a Sterile Field
Timing Matters
Determining Sterility
When in Doubt, Throw It Out!
Continuous Monitoring of the Sterile Field
Emily’s OR Journey: A Delayed Procedure
Establishing Sterile Borders
Isolate the Surgical Site
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Surgical Instruments and Techniques
Instrument Basics
Inspection
Damaged Instruments
Structure of Ring Instruments
Instrument Classification
Dissecting and Cutting Instruments
Emily’s OR Journey: First Instrument Count
Bowel Isolation Technique
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Surgery Dance
Working in Sync With the Surgeon
Building Trust
Staying One Step Ahead
The Rhythm of Surgery
Repetition Builds Skill
Controlled Movement
Maintaining Sterility
Keeping a Safe Distance
Emily’s OR Journey: Staying in Sync With the Surgeon
Follow the Routine
Everything Has a Place
Minimize Handling
Enhancing Surgical Performance
Fine-Tuning Communication in the OR
Managing Stress and Adapting to Changes
Optimizing Instrument Readiness
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
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, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)/Outpatient Surgical Centers, 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.