Key components of perioperative orientation

Learning about teamwork in operating room clinical placement

The aim of nursing students' operating room (OR) clinical practice is to gain experience of the perioperative nursing process and to develop skills related to the practice within OR teams in a variety of situations. However, it has previously been problematic to get enough practical experience within OR teams because of the general urgency, e.g. rapid turnover and flow of emergency cases, and preceptors' multiple responsibilities related to their simultaneous need to work as team members. This study describes how Finnish, British and American nursing students (n = 30) experienced learning about teamwork during their OR placement period. The critical incident technique was used for data collection, and data were analysed using a descriptive phenomenological method. Three types of teamwork emerged based on the students' perceptions: functional manifestation of OR teamwork, gaining OR team membership and technical orientation of OR teamwork. The findings are discussed in relation to OR practice, education and research on ways to improve teamwork while maintaining a satisfactory OR learning context and stimulating interest in perioperative nursing.

Collaboratively developing an orientation program for OR nurses

Many articles have addressed perioperative education's role in recruiting and retaining perioperative nurses, yet they continue to decline in number. The challenging, and sometimes stressful, perioperative environment often inhibits recruitment and retention of perioperative nurses. A unique, collaborative effort between a school of nursing and a hospital resulted in the development of a nursing orientation program that focuses its attention on reducing reality shock and preparing nurses for the perioperative environment. The orientation program incorporates AORN's standards and recommended practices.

Using adult learning principles for perioperative orientation programs

New graduates and experienced nurses who choose perioperative nursing need comprehensive training because of the specialized nature of the OR. A comprehensive orientation program results in quality care for patients. This article presents four adult learning principles and strategies for orienting new nurses to the OR. The strategies suggest a framework for developing, organizing, or revising a perioperative nursing orientation program. The program gives nurses who are interested in perioperative nursing the opportunity to enter this specialty.