November 14, 2024
Celebrating Operating Room Nurse Day: Q&A with Peg Fox
This week, we celebrate Perioperative Nurses Week and the incredible dedication of operating room nurses everywhere. As part of this recognition, Operating Room Nurse Day highlights the vital role these nurses play in patient care and surgical outcomes.
At Standard Textile, we are proud to have Peg Fox, our National Director of Surgical Services, on our team. Peg brings a wealth of experience to her role, with a career deeply rooted in perioperative care and surgical services management.
We asked Peg to reflect on her journey, share insights about the OR nursing profession, and offer advice for those shaping the future of this vital field.
Looking back, what are you most proud of in your career in perioperative care and surgical services management, and how has it led you to your current role at Standard Textile?
“I’m proud of having built my career around advocating for patients, leading passionate teams, embracing innovation, and prioritizing education. Whether it was implementing protocols to improve surgical outcomes, mentoring the next generation of nurses, or creating training programs to uphold the highest standards of care, my journey has been rooted in a commitment to excellence and to advancing patient care. These experiences have shaped my current work with Standard Textile, where I’m focused on delivering meaningful solutions that improve care delivery and patient outcomes.”
What’s your hope for the next generation of OR nurses?
“My hope is that they embrace continuous learning, lead with empathy, and stay resilient. Nursing is as much about compassionate care as it is about technical expertise. Their ability to maintain both skill and heart in the OR’s fast-paced, ever-changing environment will shape their success.”
What challenges do OR nurses face that others might not see?
“Working in the operating room requires not only advanced skills but also significant physical and emotional fortitude. OR nurses navigate complex equipment, uphold strict infection control standards, and maintain unwavering focus on patient care. They’re on their feet for long hours, often in uncomfortable positions, all while shouldering the emotional weight of supporting patients and families through critical moments. It’s demanding but deeply rewarding work.”
On OR Nurses’ Day, what should OR nurses remember?
“Your work changes lives. You’re there to save patients, ease fears, and bring hope when people are at their most vulnerable. As the backbone of the surgical team, your impact reaches far beyond the OR. Thank you for your incredible dedication and unwavering commitment to patient care—you are true heroes.”
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