Strengthening an OR Nurse Residency Program: Enhancing Education and Achieving Accreditation

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Perioperative Nursing
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• Operating room (OR) nursing requires specialized skills and presents unique challenges for new nurses.
• A structured residency program is essential for successful transition into the OR environment.
• Existing perioperative nursing education lacked standardization and comprehensive evidence-based content.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and enhance an OR nurse residency program at a North Carolina healthcare system.
• To provide consistent, evidence-based perioperative education for new OR nurses.
• To improve resident proficiency, confidence, and credentialing success.

Main Methods:

• Incorporated AORN's Periop 101: A Core Curriculum for standardized education.
• Pursued accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Utilized simulation training, preceptor guidance, and continuous feedback.

Main Results:

• High pass rates on comprehensive residency exams.
• Successful attainment of the Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN) credential by residents.
• Increased resident proficiency and confidence in OR practice.

Conclusions:

• Structured, evidence-based education is critical for developing competent OR nurses.
• Program enhancements, including Periop 101 and CCNE accreditation, improve residency outcomes.
• Leadership support and continuous improvement are vital for OR nurse residency success.