92881 Foundations of Perioperative Nursing

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject aims to expand students' awareness and understanding of the perioperative nursing role. It also aims to develop students' foundational knowledge of the impact of the surgical experience on the individual and his or her significant others (i.e. partner, family, friends) and the legal obligations of the nurse in the operating suite environment.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the dimensions of the history and philosophy of perioperative nursing and primary responsibilities of the perioperative nurse
2. examine the evolving role of the perioperative nurse in the context of different models of surgical care delivery
3. compare and contrast different organisational structures/design features of operating suites and surgical services, and the implications for patient needs/safety
4. analyse the occupational health and safety standards/parameters for both patients and staff within the operating suite environment
5. demonstrate an understanding of a range of perioperative nursing interventions (including aseptic techniques and positioning) and evaluate the effectiveness of infection control standards
6. identify the special needs of the elderly and patients from culturally and linguistically diverse populations undergoing common surgical procedures
7. examine the legal obligations and ethical considerations of the perioperative nurse
8. identify the impact of evidence-based practice on the development and improvement of standards for perioperative nursing practice.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject establishes the parameters of knowledge and skills necessary for perioperative nursing practice. The subject objectives allow students to achieve goals of practice in the care and management of patients undergoing surgery in relation to emerging trends and models of health care, and their impact on self, patients, colleagues and the environment.

Content

This subject covers a range of topics and issues relevant for perioperative nurses to meet the physiological, behavioural and safety needs of surgical patients and their families in the health care system. This includes environmental factors relevant to the perioperative environment, such as operating suite design, traffic patterns, instrument care and handling, and sterilisation and disinfection. Additionally, topics more directly related to individualised patient care, such as aseptic technique, standard and transmission-based precautions, patient positioning, methods of haemostasis, legal and ethical issues, and care of the elderly surgical patient, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse populations are explored.