The Impact of a BSN Perioperative Learning Pathway on Nurse Recruitment and Retention

Recruiting and retaining registered nurses (RNs) in perioperative practice is essential to ensure the quality of surgical services. Challenges in recruitment have been reported for decades. One strategy is developing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student learning opportunities through academic-practice partnerships. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore how participating in an undergraduate perioperative learning pathway influenced recruitment, retention and career development of RNs. Overall, the recruitment and retention of RNs were supported. RNs reported general satisfaction in their work but limited opportunities for career development. Undergraduate perioperative learning pathways are positive opportunities for BSN students and effective for recruitment and retention.