Perioperative RN Training
Perioperative RNs, or registered nurses, provide care to patients before, during and immediately after surgical procedures. Typical activities of a perioperative RN include patient examination, maintaining an infection-free operating environment, educating patients before and after surgery and tending to patients' emotional and physical health, according to the Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow website. Perioperative RNs work in a range of medical settings, including hospital surgery wards, clinics, physicians' offices and day surgery centers.
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Identification
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A perioperative RN fulfills different roles depending on the duties expected of her. A scrub nurse works closely with surgeons to ensure that the operating environment is sterile and hands over medical instruments during procedures. Circulating nurses manage nursing care in the operating theater and assist the surgical team in keeping a safe environment where patients feels at ease. Perioperative RN first assistants provide direct assistance to surgeons during operations. Typical duties include controlling blood flow and suturing. First assistants usually require extensive education and specialist training.
Education
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Before a candidate can undertake specialist training, she must qualify as a registered nurse by graduating with a bachelor's degree, associate degree or diploma program in nursing from an accredited nursing school or university. Some programs run modules relevant to perioperative care duties, which provide specific preparation for anyone wishing to undertake further training.
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Internships
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While studying for your nursing degree, enroll in any internship programs run through your nursing school. They usually are work placement programs, offering clinical experience at local hospitals and clinics. Internships provide preliminary training in perioperative nurse duties.
Preliminary Training
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After graduation, secure an entry-level nursing role at a hospital or other health care facility. An RN usually must have a few years experience in general nursing before entering a specialist area such as perioperative care. Areas that are particularly useful include critical care and ER nursing, reports Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow. During your interview, explain that you wish to move later into a perioperative role. The facility might provide basic preliminary training if staff resources allow.
Academic Training
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Once qualified, a registered nurse can take a training certification course in perioperative nursing, which provides candidates with specialist skills and help with career advancement. Courses are usually at medical centers and institutes across the United States and are based on the practice standards of the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). These programs typically combine classroom instruction with work experience in clinical settings. Typical themes include anatomy, physiology, sterilization and disinfection techniques and the ethical and legal responsibilities of perioperative nursing.
On-the-job Training
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Most perioperative nurses also receive specialist training on-the-job, through supervised work in operating theaters or trauma wards. Candidates typically perform operating room duties under the supervision of experienced perioperative nurses and take on more responsibility as their skills improve. Training also teaches candidates to cope with the emotional demands involved in exposure to human suffering and loss of life. Perioperative nurses also learn to give guidance and coordinate work activities with other health professionals.
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References
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- Photo Credit surgery image by Andrey Rakhmatullin from Fotolia.com
