Selecting and educating perioperative nurses for an ambulatory surgery setting

A decision was made that review of technical skills for the perioperative and postanesthesia nurses hired from within the hospital was not necessary because they all had experience in their specialty areas. Those hired from other areas of the hospital will spend one month with a preceptor in the postanesthesia care area, one month in our short stay unit with a preceptor, and one month either in class or OR observation. All will have formal classes on anesthesia, fluid and electrolytes, and the philosophy of ambulatory surgery. These employees were released from their previous positions three months before the projected opening date of the new unit to allow them to learn the new skills. The patient care manager assigned responsibilities to the perioperative nurses hired from the main OR. They were asked to research needed equipment and supplies for various procedures in the different specialty areas. The patient care manager felt this would help them make a smooth transition to the new unit by making them feel like members of the team. My original hypothesis that perioperative nurses will not only rise to the occasion, but will far exceed our expectations will be tested when we move to the new ambulatory surgery unit. Although our opening date has been delayed, I am confident that our forethought and preparation will result in a smooth transition and an efficient staff.