Perioperative nursing: complementary or complimentary

AORN Journal,  Jan, 2005  by Kay Ball

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Did you ever think that one little letter could completely change the meaning of a word? A couple of Sundays ago, my minister delivered a sermon entitled, "Complementing each other." At first glance, we thought there was a misprint in the bulletin, but as we listened to the sermon, we knew there was no mistake. His message on the art of complementing each other made me think about how this applies to perioperative nursing.

Making Perioperative Nursing a Whole

Complementing each other means that we work well together and that we complete a whole. It takes a village of nurses to build a strong foundation for perioperative practice. As nurses, we mutually complete each other and add to the practice of caring for surgical patients. Patients thus are the recipients of safe, qualified, and skilled surgical nursing care.

Complementing each other is like being part of a quartet. Each voice sounds great individually, but when all four voices harmonize, then beautiful, whole, and profound music occurs. Each part helps strengthen the whole--just as each perioperative nurse helps strengthen our practice.

Everyone has a role within perioperative nursing. Individual roles include encouraging, organizing, planning, rewarding, leading, or following. Everyone brings a special talent or gift to the world of perioperative nursing. These gifts are meant to be shared and not kept only for oneself. If we use this gift incorrectly, then the focus may change to the individual and not the whole. This promotes a "what is in it for me" attitude.

Perioperative nurses must learn to play their individual parts and be passionate about complementing each other. Dedication to the work of perioperative nursing is the motivation that quickens our pulse and guides us into sweet victories for better patient care.

In Praise of Praise

With one little letter change, the word complement becomes compliment. Most perioperative nurses understand the magnitude of working harmoniously together, but they often overlook the value of telling each other they have done a good job.

The power of expressing gratitude, praise, or congratulations has a far-reaching effect on the human psyche. Just by recognizing or applauding someone's efforts, ripples emerge that may last a lifetime. Praising another nurse's interest in computers may be the push needed to help him or her become an expert in computerized documentation. Commending a nurse on his or her ability to comfort a mother who is fearful about her son's impending surgical procedure may open a door for that nurse to develop a successful support program for parents of children undergoing surgery.

Perioperative practice involves a world of nurses Interacting and complementing each other through endless courage, caring, and commitment. Sincere and heartfelt compliments are the fuel that provides the energy needed to preserve perioperative practice, and that fuel is vital for our motivation to continue. Let us celebrate our value and our practice by complementing and then complimenting one another.

KAY BALL

RN, MSA, CNOR, FAAN

Lewis Center, Ohio

COPYRIGHT 2005 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group