Perioperative nursing: a challenge for BSN nurse educators

1. Education for this perioperative role has been declining, if not altogether eliminated, in formal nursing education programs. The results of a survey conducted in 1985 showed that OR clinical rotations were not available in 67% of baccalaureate nursing programs in the United States. 2. Ways of accomplishing student exposure to perioperative nursing have included internships, preceptored clinical practicums, and electives in perioperative nursing. However, these avenues reach only a small number of students in any given nursing education program. 3. By using a nursing diagnosis and concept approach, a school of nursing can provide observational and participatory perioperative nursing activities for all baccalaureate nursing students in its program.