Collaboratively developing an orientation program for OR nurses

Many articles have addressed perioperative education's role in recruiting and retaining perioperative nurses, yet they continue to decline in number. The challenging, and sometimes stressful, perioperative environment often inhibits recruitment and retention of perioperative nurses. A unique, collaborative effort between a school of nursing and a hospital resulted in the development of a nursing orientation program that focuses its attention on reducing reality shock and preparing nurses for the perioperative environment. The orientation program incorporates AORN's standards and recommended practices.