b'Health Care Providers Caring forBrain Injury Patients An Operating Room RNs PerspectiveWe often hear about the obstacles patients overcome to survive their brain injury. But what does it take for these patients to overcome new challenges theyre faced with in order to progress in their recovery? Ayda Menjugas-MacDuff, RN Clinical Education Specialist and member of The Noggin Committee, had the special opportunity to interview Chris Lopez, an Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN)Operating Room RNChris Lopez at Banner University Medical Center-Tucson (BUMCT), a Level 1 Trauma Center that cares for many patients with a multitude of different brain injuries. Q:What is your background and experience workingQ:From what youve witnessed, what is the experience with survivors of brain injuries?of survivors of brain injuries and their families I am currently a registered nurse in the operating room. Myfollowing surgery? experience working with brain injury survivors consists ofMost outcomes in terms of my experience have led to overall caring for them in their most vulnerable state when theypatient improvement in patient health goals related to indi-are undergoing neurological surgical cases such as craniot- vidual situations and diagnoses. Unfortunately, I typically omies, tumor resections, and other similar cases. do not have much interaction with the families of these Q:What interested you in becoming a trauma nurse,patients. I often wonder what happens to my patients after or how did you come to be a trauma nurse?surgery, as I dont get to see them after they leave the OR. Right out of nursing school, I went into the operating roomQ:What is your knowledge and experience with the as an OR RN here at BUMCT. Part of my orientation wasBrain Injury Alliance of Arizona? to train in caring for high acuity trauma patients in the op- I think that it is important for nursing professionals to know erating room. I have now been an OR RN for over 3 years.about this organization.Q:What do you find rewarding about your job? WhatQ:What are some of your hobbiesdo you find to be challenging?and interests? What I find the most rewarding about my job includesMy hobbies and interests include decorating and mind/knowing that I am assisting the patients overall recoverybody/health improvement.and positive movement past their initial diagnosis or cir-cumstance. What I find the most challenging is making sure that we effectively voice concerns and speak up when nec-essary, which is tantamount to successful patient-centeredBIAAZ would like to extend a special thanks to all the care and patient recovery post-procedure. RNs, therapists, doctors, surgeons, neuro-specialists, Q:Do you have any suggestions for someonesocial workers, and other medical care providers for interested in entering this line of work? the critical services you provide. We know you work long, hard hours to make sure patients receive the care Someone interested in entering this line of work shouldthey need, which has been made even more apparent know that as an OR RN, you need to be prepared to be aduring the COVID-19 Pandemic. You are all amazing patient advocate to ensure surgical safety and optimizeand we appreciate everything you do, especially for outcomes. Taking care of patients in the OR takes a teamthose recovering from a brain injury and their families. and teamwork. 22 The Noggin | 2020vol 5issue 2'