Turning a Crisis Into an Opportunity: Promoting Professional Development Among Perioperative Personnel During a...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Surgical Services

Background:

• The perioperative environment presents unique challenges to maintaining adequate staffing and nurse satisfaction.
• Barriers such as cost, time, and lack of support hinder professional advancement for hospital nurses.
• The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the cancellation of elective surgeries, creating an opportunity for change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To leverage the pause in elective surgeries caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance perioperative personnel's professional development.
• To investigate the impact of professional development initiatives on nurse satisfaction and staff turnover in a high-risk perioperative setting.

Main Methods:

• Over 70 perioperative staff members engaged in professional development activities.
• Activities included pursuing certification, continuing education, clinical advancement, and cross-training.
• The study observed staff turnover rates during the resumption of elective surgeries.

Main Results:

• Staff member turnover did not increase despite the resumption of elective surgeries.
• Participation in professional development activities was high among perioperative personnel.
• Interest in future professional growth opportunities was reignited within the staff.

Conclusions:

• Targeted professional development initiatives can be successfully implemented even in high-risk environments like perioperative settings.
• Investing in nurse development can sustain safe patient care and improve staff retention.
• Reigniting interest in professional growth is achievable and beneficial for healthcare teams.