Pre-registration student nurses' perceptions of the day surgery unit

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Surgical Nursing

Background:

• Increasing trend of complex surgeries performed as day cases.
• Day surgery units are crucial for student nurse clinical exposure.
• Some students show reluctance towards day surgery placements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a preparatory study program for student nurses.
• To demonstrate the skilled and specialized nursing care opportunities in day surgery.
• To address student reluctance towards day surgery placements.

Main Methods:

• A pre-placement study program was developed and implemented.
• The program focused on showcasing the scope of day surgery nursing.
• Emphasis on the multifaceted skills required for day surgery.

Main Results:

• Day surgery nursing is recognized as an emerging specialty.
• The program aims to equip students with essential clinical and interpersonal skills.
• Students are prepared for patient care within the unit and post-discharge.

Conclusions:

• Day surgery nursing demands a blend of clinical, interpersonal, informational, and psychological skills.
• Effective preparation can enhance student confidence and engagement in day surgery.
• This specialty requires nurses to prepare patients and carers for home-based care responsibilities.