NURSING LEAGUE IN SURGICAL CENTER AND MATERIAL AND STERILIZATION CENTER: EXPERIENCE REPORT

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594732405085

• Palavras-chave: surgical center; material and sterilization center; spaulding; academic league; nursing.

• Keywords: surgical center; material and sterilization center; spaulding; academic league; nursing.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Academic leagues are entities created and organized by academics and coordinated by professors who have common interests. The experience of an undergraduate student with an academic league can add successful experiences and also face challenges. The contribution brought by an academic league in specialized settings stands out. This is the case of the surgical center (SC) and central material and sterilization (CME) units. The Nursing Academic League in SC and CME (LIGACE) was created in August 2021 on the initiative of two students. Their trajectory motivated this study. Objective: to describe the experience of students participating in an academic league of SC and CME; to share the experience of a student leading an academic league as president. Method: Experience report of the experiences of a group of students in an academic league of SC and CME at a private university located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Created in August 2021, this report is particularly focused on the period from August 2022 to December 2023. Results: During participation in the academic league, students had the opportunity to develop activities for planning meetings, events, and scientific publications on social media. Lectures and conferences were offered online, where students acted as coordinators and secretaries. There were constant experiences of publicizing all league activities.

   The tutor professor participated in some of the initiatives, mainly acting as a technical reviewer specialized in the topics involved. It was possible to develop knowledge based on clinical practices within a surgical center, in addition to updating innovative and technological practices in surgeries, such as robotics, and specific materials for disinfection and sterilization of equipment used in hospital networks. Throughout this journey, meetings were held with partner companies that produce SC and CME supplies and equipment, which allowed for in-depth knowledge regarding the functionality of the materials and the purpose of the equipment. The workshop on surgical attire stands out, where students participated in theoretical and practical classes at the so-called “rotating stations” that included the Spaulding classification, sterile barrier systems; surgical gown donning, and sterilization monitoring.            
  FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The experience at LIGACE favored the updating of SC and CME practices, allowing for the improvement of theoretical and practical knowledge. The presidency of the league involved the planning and execution of management activities. It also provided immeasurable opportunities for understanding the logistics of the sectors and recognizing the need for updating practices, continuing education, and theoretical concepts, which are essential to achieving the level of professional excellence in nursing.