Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A Spine Robotic-Assisted Navigation System for Pedicle Screw Placement
Published on: May 11, 2020
Clinical decision-making processes in perioperative nursing
C B Parker1, P Minick, C C Kee
1Emory HealthCare/Crawford Long Hospital, Atlanta, USA.
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to reveal the processes of clinical decision making by expert perioperative nurses. Six nurses with a minimum of five years experience who considered themselves to be experts in OR nursing were asked to describe perioperative situations in which they had made a difference in patient outcomes. In every situation described, an intricate pattern of concern was present and associated with further assessments. The pattern was labeled Seeing the big picture: Engendered through caring. This study provides initial documentation to support how RNs make critical contributions to the quality of perioperative patient care.
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to reveal the processes of clinical decision making by expert perioperative nurses. Six nurses with a minimum of five years experience who considered themselves to be experts in OR nursing were asked to describe perioperative situations in which they had made a difference in patient outcomes. In every situation described, an intricate pattern of concern was present and associated with further assessments. The pattern was labeled Seeing the big picture: Engendered through caring. This study provides initial documentation to support how RNs make critical contributions to the quality of perioperative patient care.
Related Concept Videos
Critical Thinking II
Fundamentals of Nursing Process I
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Ethical Dilemmas II
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management