Registered Nurse Perioperative Nursing (RNOR)

Program Overview

This online perioperative nursing program equips Registered Nurses with the knowledge and skills to care for patients undergoing surgery. Through theory courses, simulation labs, and clinical practicum, nurses gain expertise in both scrub and circulating roles, preparing them for high-demand careers in various healthcare settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The program's objectives are to:

• Equip nurses with the knowledge and skills required to competently care for patients before, during, and after surgery.
• Prepare nurses to work effectively in the perioperative environment as part of an interprofessional team.
• Develop strong communication, teamwork, and multi-tasking abilities in nurses.
• Foster a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptation to the ever-evolving operating room environment.

Outline:

The program consists of the following components:

• Online theory courses: These courses cover topics such as the perioperative environment, the perioperative patient, perioperative equipment and instruments, and special considerations in the perioperative environment.
• Simulation labs: Students will attend five lab days where they will have the opportunity to apply concepts learned in theory courses in a simulated perioperative lab setting.
• Clinical practicum: Students will complete a five-week clinical placement (200 hours) where they will apply their theoretical learning and lab skills development in the clinical setting.

The program schedule is as follows:

• Semester 1:
• RNOR 1000: Fundamentals of the Perioperative Environment for Registered Nurses
• RNOR 1001: The Perioperative Patient for Registered Nurses
• RNOR 1002: Perioperative Equipment and Instruments for Registered Nurses
• Semester 2:
• RNOR 1003: Special Considerations in the Perioperative Environment for Registered Nurses
• RNOR 1004: Perioperative Skills Labs for Registered Nurses (40 hours)
• RNOR 1001: The Perioperative Patient for Registered Nurses: This course explores the perioperative process in detail, including the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases.
Students learn about the perioperative nurse's role throughout all phases of care, with a focus on intra-operative care.
• RNOR 1002: Perioperative Equipment and Instruments for Registered Nurses: Students gain detailed knowledge of surgical instruments and specialized equipment in this course.
They learn about the care, cleaning, and sterilization practices required to prevent surgical site infections. Students also reflect on continuing professional development and consider ways to support the future of perioperative nursing.
• RNOR 1004: Perioperative Skills Labs for Registered Nurses (40 hours): Students attend five lab days where they gain hands-on experience with the scrub and circulating nurse roles in a simulated environment.
• RNOR 1005: Perioperative Clinical Practicum for Registered Nurses (200 hours): This five-week clinical placement allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge and lab skills in a real-world setting under the guidance of experienced preceptors.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Clinical performance
• Skills demonstration

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Online modules
• Simulations
• Clinical experiences
• Group discussions

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in a variety of settings, including:

• Acute care hospitals
• Day surgical centres
• Clinics

Other:

• The program is offered in a flexible format that allows students to complete their studies while continuing to work.
• Graduates of the program are eligible to write the Canadian Certification Examination in Perioperative Nursing (CCEPN).