The changing role of the pediatric OR nurse

1. OR nurses are trained to listen, observe, and pass the necessary instrumentation. On their road to gain professional status, they must not forget the need to improve clinical and professional skills as well as why they went into nursing: patient care. 2. Many OR nurses do not try to eliminate fears, no matter what the age of their patients, and some may have even added to patient fears. Although such nurses are the exception, OR nurses should strive to keep themselves from being classified as uncaring. 3. Preoperative tours and postoperative visits should become an essential part of the surgical experience. Ideas and concerns should be addressed, and changes to enhance future surgical procedures should be discussed.