Open Forum

Hoping this is an easy one for someone with the correct background. My surgical knowledge is a bit limited.

For those of you that have standardized training/competencies for MAs with relation to an electrocautery, what do you cover?

I imagine it is something like connecting the proper device, perhaps even a device check and ensuring a grounding pad is present when using in monopolar mode. 

Again, this is not one of my areas of expertise, so I am very interested in hearing what others are doing here. 

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Scott Kaye , PhD RN-BC CEN CPEN CCRN CJCP NPD-BC AMB-BC
Clinical Director
Bayside NY
(917)365-5839
scottpaulkaye@hotmail.com
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Hi Scott, 

Elsevier has a nice module on electrocautery. Do you use Elsevier? 

Susanna

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Susanna Gadsby MSN, MBA, AMB-BC, NPD-BC
Clinical Educator, Ambulatory
AAACN Certified
Nursing Professional Development Specialist
susanna.m.gadsby@hitchcock.org
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Thanks for the tip! I don't currently have access but I've used the Elsevier product before. I appreciate it!

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Scott Kaye , PhD RN-BC CEN CPEN CCRN CJCP NPD-BC AMB-BC
Clinical Director
Bayside NY
(917)365-5839
scottpaulkaye@hotmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-30-2024 08:07
From: Susanna Gadsby
Subject: Electocautery (Bovie) education for Medical Assistants

Hi Scott, 

Elsevier has a nice module on electrocautery. Do you use Elsevier? 

Susanna

------------------------------
Susanna Gadsby MSN, MBA, AMB-BC, NPD-BC
Clinical Educator, Ambulatory
AAACN Certified
Nursing Professional Development Specialist
susanna.m.gadsby@hitchcock.org
------------------------------

Hi Scott,

AORN in a great resource for electrocautery use. We are lucky in our facility that we have a surgical unit nearby so we actually have the surgical first assist come train us annually. I used to work in surgery so the safety and settings of the unit itself are very particular. Things like removing jewelry, checking to make sure there are no implants/tattoos at the site of pad placement, making sure the monopolar settings are at the lowest setting possible for effective use, as well as making sure you have suction nearby to get rid of plume are very important. 

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Jessica Soenksen
Center for Specialty Care and Behavioral Health Director
Crossing Rivers Health
Monona IA
(563)329-0601
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Thank you! These are all points which I wasn't aware of, but make complete sense. I'm not an AORN member, but may join just to access. Much appreciated!

------------------------------
Scott Kaye , PhD RN-BC CEN CPEN CCRN CJCP NPD-BC AMB-BC
Clinical Director
Bayside NY
(917)365-5839
scottpaulkaye@hotmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-30-2024 09:38
From: Jessica Soenksen
Subject: Electocautery (Bovie) education for Medical Assistants

Hi Scott,

AORN in a great resource for electrocautery use. We are lucky in our facility that we have a surgical unit nearby so we actually have the surgical first assist come train us annually. I used to work in surgery so the safety and settings of the unit itself are very particular. Things like removing jewelry, checking to make sure there are no implants/tattoos at the site of pad placement, making sure the monopolar settings are at the lowest setting possible for effective use, as well as making sure you have suction nearby to get rid of plume are very important. 

------------------------------
Jessica Soenksen
Center for Specialty Care and Behavioral Health Director
Crossing Rivers Health
Monona IA
(563)329-0601
------------------------------