AORN J O U R N A L J U L Y 1987. VOL. 46. NO I

remaining have to settle for “safe” care, as opposed to optimum care. Sometimes, that in itself is hard to accept because perioperative nurses tend to be perfectionists.

If enough AORN members are willing to share their solutions to this dilemma, I will devote future “Letters to the Editor” columns for those letters that contain positive ways OR staff nurses and OR managers can safely adjust perioperative nursing practice to accommodate the present shortage. If you are willing to share your ideas,

please include your title and place of employment in your letter.

If your solution to the shortage is to continue to work overtime until something happens to change the nursing supply ratio, you may be setting yourself up for early burnout. But by sharing your other solutions, Journal readers can together explore a different path.

PAT NIESSNER PALMER, RN, MS EDITOR

Film Review: Just Look at Me Now The film, Just Look at Me Now: Portrait of a Perioperative Professional, traces the history and image of nursing. Sandra Moorhead, RN, por- trays a realistic picture of how the image of nurs- ing has changed from handmaiden to the physi- cian, to a sexpot, to an educated professional working in a collegial relationship with other health care professionals.

Many of the images are not flattering; how- ever, they are true and are issues that need to be examined and addressed. In addition to describ- ing the changing image, Moorhead suggests the viewers can tight negative publicity about nurs- ing by writing letters to television stations, greet- ing card manufacturers, and legislators, and by belonging to professional organizations.

historical pictures of the nurse of the past, and exciting glimpses into nursing of the future. It portrays the nurse of the 1980s in a positive light as a professional with a challenging, exciting future. This would be an excellent film to show nurses, nursing students, and the public.

In addition, a film study guide and test are included for home study. Registered nurses can earn one contact hour of continuing education by completing the requirements.

Copies of the Davis + Geck/AORN film can be rented in either %-inch videocassette or 16- mm film for $17.50. The film can be purchased for $125 on videocassette, $75 in either a M-inch

The 15-minute film contains many interesting

Beta or VHS format. For more information, con- tact the Davis + Geck Film-Video Library, 1 Casper St, Danbury, CT 068 10-9989.

VICKI Moss, RN, MS, CNOR AUDIOVISUAL COMMITTEE

Health Care Building Activity Up 16% in 1986 Building activity in the health care industry- new construction, expansion, and alterations- increased 16% in 1986 when compared to 1985 figures. According to a survey conducted by Modern Healthcare, there was 99.5 million square feet of building activity in I986 compared to 85.8 million square feet in 1985.

In its survey of architects, construction manag- ers, general contractors, and design/building firms, Modern Healthcare reported that expand- ing and altering existing facilities were the top building activities. New construction was second on the list.

Respondents said that hospital-based ambula- tory care units will have the greatest opportuni- ties for future construction followed by retire- ment communities and freestanding outpatient care centers.

issue of Modern Healthcare. The survey results were reported in the Feb 27

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