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ABSTRACT
The length of orientation necessary for nurses new to the OR to obtain basic perioperative skills to ensure quality patient care is a major expense for health care facilities. The length of perioperative orientation programs varies greatly from institution to institution. Some last only one month, and others last from three months to one year. Educators usually decide the length of time based on tradition or outcomes; however, this may not be the best way to determine the length of an orientation program. A standardized time frame for perioperative orientation needs to become a reality. This article reports the results of a study that examined the effect orientation length had on RN compliance rates after nurses completed two different orientation programs and discusses the implications for developing orientation programs. AORN J 70 (July 1999) 72-78.
It a time when hospitals aggressively are pursing expense reductions and administrators seek increased efficiency in practices, many nursing education programs do not have rotations in the perioperative setting. As the complex perioperative environment develops with new technology and techniques, the relevancy of the perioperative orientation program, as it relates to cost and skill levels attained, remains undecided. Perioperative orientation involves providing basic education and training to newly hired nurses so they can function in the OR environment. During this time, the nurses learn OR policies and practices and the roles of the scrub person and circulating nurse. The length of orientation necessary for nurses new to the OR to obtain basic perioperative skills is a major expense to the hospital.
Currently, the length of perioperative orientation programs varies greatly. Many programs last one month, and others last three months, six months, and even one year. Educators often base decisions about the length of time for an orientation on tradition or outcomes. Usually, an OR director and an educator together decide on a length of time that they believe is required for nurses to learn the skills necessary to function effectively in the OR. These decisions, for the most part, have gone unchallenged. No matter what the length of the perioperative orientation program is, the quality of care delivered by new perioperative nurses must meet specified standards.
The researcher conducting this study examined whether basic perioperative skills...