Michael Letosky is a new RN, but not new to IRMC. He was hired as a surgical technician and has worked within the IRMC Operating Room for several years. After graduating from his nursing education, he continued with the organization and transitioned to an OR circulator. Michael has a deep understanding of surgical processes and procedures due to his experience as a surgical technician.

Due to his experience in the surgical field, Michael identified an allergy to nickel in an orthopedic patient that many other team members had missed. Our implant components have nickel in them. Michael reviewed allergies, checked to see if nickel free implants were ordered for the case, and alerted the physician that nickel free implants were in fact not available.

As a result, the patient's surgery was rescheduled, and nickel-free implants were ordered. His attention to detail and expertise in orthopedic surgery saved the patient from having a possible reaction to the implants that would have been used in the case.

Kudos to Michael for his review, identification, and follow-through on an allergy that could have caused an adverse effect and additional surgery for this patient. He is truly an asset and an excellent nurse in the organization.