Introduction to Perioperative Nursing A Primer for Perioperative Education

1. Introduction to Perioperative NursingA Primer for Perioperative Education

2. Definition of Perioperative Nursing The provision of nursing care by an RN preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively to a patient undergoing an operative or invasive procedure.

3. Areas in Which Perioperative Nursing Is Practiced • Perioperative nursing is practiced in • Hospital operating rooms • Interventional radiology suites • Cardiac cath labs • Endoscopy suites • Ambulatory surgery centers • Trauma centers • Pediatric specialty hospitals • Physician offices

4. Functions of thePerioperative Nurse • Advocate • Protector • Teacher • Change agent • Manager of patient care

5. Perioperative Team Members • Nursing Roles in the OR • Circulating Nurse • Scrub person • RN first assistant (RNFA) • Perioperative educator • Specialty team leader • Perioperative manager

6. Perioperative Nursing Skills • Assessment • Communication • Critical thinking • Technical skills

7. Surgical Attire • Gowns • Gloves • Masks • Hair covering • Protective eyewear

8. Goals of Patient Safety • Provide safe patient care • Knowledge of procedure • Ensure the correct patient, correct site, correct level, and correct procedure • Knowledge of positioning • Adhere to safe medication administration guidelines • Perform surgical counts • Provide a safe environment • Adhere to asepsis • Promote coordinated and effective communication

9. Benefits of a Career in Perioperative Nursing • Working as a nurse in the perioperative environment requires • The ability to work in a fast paced environment • Flexibility • Attention to detail • Willingness to commit to ongoing learning • The ability to work collaboratively as a member of the surgical team