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Summary
An all-registered nurse (RN) operating room staff enhances productivity and patient care quality. RNs are cost-effective due to their skills, reduced supervision needs, and flexibility in surgical settings.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
- Surgical Services
Background:
- Educators believe an all-registered nurse (RN) operating room (OR) staff improves productivity and care quality.
- RNs are valued for flexibility in scrubbing and circulating roles, possessing broader skills and reducing supervision needs.
- RNs may be more cost-effective than ancillary staff, considering work time, supervision, and overtime costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the benefits of an all-RN staff in the operating room.
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and quality of care provided by RNs in OR roles.
- To advocate for the inclusion of perioperative nursing in professional nursing education.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of educator beliefs and existing literature.
- Comparative cost-effectiveness analysis based on reported data.
- Argumentative synthesis of benefits for OR management and patient care.
Main Results:
- RNs offer flexibility, broader skills, and reduced supervision, contributing to OR efficiency.
- Despite higher salaries, RNs present a more cost-effective solution compared to ancillary staff.
- An all-RN OR staff is associated with enhanced productivity and quality of patient care.
Conclusions:
- Staffing the surgical suite with RNs in both scrub and circulating positions is recommended.
- Implementing an all-RN OR model promotes cost-effective management and maintains high patient care standards.
- Perioperative nursing education is crucial for preparing professional nurses for OR roles.