Implementation of a Blended-Learning Perioperative Nursing Education Program in Canada

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Education
• Surgical Services

Background:

• Governmental COVID-19 mandates in Ontario, Canada, created a significant backlog of perioperative procedures.
• Healthcare organizations faced challenges expanding services due to the persistent nursing shortage and traditional perioperative education structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an in-house perioperative education program to mitigate staffing shortages.
• To assess the preparedness and confidence of novice nurses completing the program.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a blended-learning perioperative education program in 2021, incorporating online modules, videos, skills labs, and clinical placements.
• Program required nurses to apply and commit to two years of employment.
• Evaluation of novice nurse confidence and preceptor-perceived preparedness.

Main Results:

• Sixteen out of 19 participants successfully completed the program.
• Novice nurses reported increased confidence at the start of clinical experiences.
• Preceptors deemed the nurses adequately prepared for practice, aiding in staffing resolution.

Conclusions:

• The in-house blended-learning perioperative education program effectively addressed critical staffing shortages.
• Consideration of a pre-program shadowing experience for novice nurses may enhance readiness.
• In-house education models are recommended for non-perioperative specialties facing similar staffing challenges.