Developing competency-based perioperative orientation programs

Regional Orientation Program for the Department of Clinical Neurosciences

A regional orientation program increases the efficient and effective use of resources such as classroom, equipment, and educator time. It provides consistent information to all new nurses and maintains standards of nursing practice throughout the Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

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.

An orientation program for unlicensed assistive personnel

The nursing profession has worked with unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) for decades; however, with the budget cuts resulting from health care redesign, some health care providers have expressed apprehension about UAP roles (eg, nurse aides, orderlies, unit clerks). Staff members in the perioperative services department at Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, have defined a UAP role that enhances the OR's efficiency in patient care and maintains the cost-effective measures outlined in the facility's strategic goals. A key element in the success of this perioperative UAP role implementation has been the development of a competency-based orientation program that helps UAP develop and maintain their specific skills.