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Eye of the beholder
L L Fite1, W A Foster, V A Meyer
1University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio School of Nursing, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Seminars in Perioperative Nursing
|May 8, 2004
Summary
First-semester nursing students share their operating room observations. This true story explores the OR environment, surgical teams, and the student learning experience.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Surgical Nursing
- Clinical Observation
Background:
- The operating room (OR) presents a unique and complex learning environment for nursing students.
- Early clinical exposure is crucial for developing situational awareness and understanding team dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the initial interpretations and learning experiences of first-semester nursing students during their first OR observations.
- To highlight key aspects of the OR environment and surgical team interactions from a novice perspective.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative approach was used, involving collaborative interpretation of observations by three nursing students.
- A narrative, true story format was employed to convey the learning experience.
Main Results:
- Students identified the distinct atmosphere and demands of the OR environment.
- Observations focused on the roles and interactions of various surgical team members.
- The learning experience was characterized by initial challenges and significant knowledge acquisition.
Conclusions:
- First-semester nursing students can gain valuable insights from early OR observations.
- Understanding the OR environment and team roles is fundamental to nursing education.
- Narrative accounts offer a rich perspective on the student learning journey in surgical settings.