From theory to perioperative practice with Parse

The operating room nurse today is often thought of as a task skilled, highly technical, process oriented, and efficient member of the operating room team. Too often her/his nursing education and preparation in practice, theory and discipline are overlooked. Perioperative nursing as a specialty is an important, vital factor in the success of the planned surgical intervention. Perioperative nursing practice involves caring for the patient; it is patient-centered rather than task oriented. The RN combines both the physiologic and psychosocial aspects of nursing in delivery of care. This is reflective of the theoretical model used to plan effective nursing care. The RN interacting with the preoperative patient has a focus on being in true presence with the patient (Parse, 1987). The interrelationship sets in motion utilization of theory, reflecting nursing knowledge and practice.