Invitational theory and perioperative nursing preceptorships

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Surgical Services
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• Perioperative nurses require both clinical nursing expertise and technical surgical skills.
• Experienced nurses, even those transferring settings, need structured preceptor orientation.
• A significant shortage of experienced perioperative nurses necessitates innovative recruitment and retention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability of the Invitational Operating Room Teaching Survey as a tool for assessing OR preceptorship experiences.
• To identify characteristics of effective perioperative nurse preceptors from the perspective of preceptees.
• To explore how "inviting" preceptorships can enhance perioperative nurse numbers.

Main Methods:

• A research study was conducted involving perioperative nurse preceptees.
• The Invitational Operating Room Teaching Survey was administered to assess preceptee attitudes and perceptions of preceptor effectiveness.
• Cronbach's alpha reliability analysis was performed on the survey data.

Main Results:

• The Cronbach's alpha reliability analysis indicated that the Invitational Operating Room Teaching Survey is a reliable tool for use in the OR setting.
• Survey items effectively evaluated preceptees' attitudes toward their preceptors and identified key characteristics of effective preceptors.
• Findings support the potential for "inviting" preceptorship experiences to positively impact perioperative nurse recruitment and retention.

Conclusions:

• The Invitational Operating Room Teaching Survey is a reliable instrument for evaluating OR preceptorships.
• Enhancing preceptor behaviors to be more "inviting" can improve the training and integration of new perioperative nurses.
• Strategies focusing on positive and effective preceptorships are crucial for addressing the perioperative nursing shortage.