An administrator returns to practice as a perioperative nurse

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Perioperative Care
• Healthcare Workforce

Background:

• The perioperative nursing field faces a national shortage of qualified professionals.
• Many nurses possess prior operating room (OR) experience but may be returning after a career break or transition to administrative roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chronicle the personal experiences and challenges of a nurse returning to perioperative practice after an extended absence.
• To provide a practical guide for orienting nurses with previous OR experience who are re-entering the field.
• To highlight strategies for addressing the perioperative nursing shortage by leveraging experienced, returning nurses.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative narrative of a nurse's transition back to perioperative nursing.
• Reflection on the learning curve associated with new surgical techniques and technologies.
• Identification of key "lessons learned" during the re-orientation process.

Main Results:

• The author successfully reintegrated into perioperative nursing, managing initial anxieties and adapting to advancements.
• New OR nurses with prior experience require tailored orientation programs that acknowledge their existing knowledge base.
• The return of experienced nurses can significantly contribute to alleviating staffing shortages in critical care areas.

Conclusions:

• Hospitals should consider re-engaging nurses with previous OR experience to fill critical vacancies.
• Effective orientation programs are essential for the successful reintegration of returning perioperative nurses.
• The adaptation process involves both technical skill acquisition and emotional adjustment to a dynamic clinical environment.