Aim High, Win Big: Optimizing the OR Nurse's Skills to Improve Surgical Outcomes

<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p> <p> Operating room nurses are constantly challenged with new surgical procedures and technology that affect the delivery of safe patient care. A deficiency in skill sets was identified among 50% of OR nurses in this microsystem. A structured scrub training program will improve the performance of novice and advanced beginner nurses to prevent the occurrence of adverse events. This program includes 320 hours of exposure to scrub the top ten procedures of two specialty services after the nurse learns how to circulate. The ability to circulate and scrub is an indication of high performance. It is expected that the OR nurse will independently circulate and scrub 60-80% of surgical procedures. An educational support team will guide the progress of the learners to ensure a successful transition. This evidence-based program will also apply non-technical skills using principles of AORN practice, TEAMSSTEPS, and SPLINTS that are effective in the recognition and prevention of surgical errors. High performance, teamwork, and collaboration must be integrated into the OR culture to sustain excellent work at all levels. Exemplary professional practice through transformational leadership is supported by the Magnet program at this facility to ensure that change is driven from the frontlines and best outcomes are delivered.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Level thesis:degree_level

Project/Capstone - Global access

Year dc:date.available

2017

Author dc:creator

• AGBUYA-GATES, AMMIE ROSE

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mary Lou De Natale
• Robin Jackson
• Dr. Elena Capella

• Operating room
• scrub nurse orientation
• OR skills
• TEAMSSTEPS
• SPLINTS
• OR Nursing
• Nursing

Repository record dc:identifier

https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/633

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.usfca.edu:capstone-1661