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An OR nurse internship program that focuses on retention
1Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
AORN Journal
|September 18, 1997
Summary
Hospitals face nursing shortages, prompting a focus on training registered nurses (RNs) for operating rooms (ORs). A successful training program improved staff retention and addressed cost-saving measures in healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Management
- Surgical Services
Background:
- Healthcare environments necessitate evaluating staff skill mix, increasing surgical technologists and unlicensed assistive personnel.
- Financial constraints and a shortage of experienced operating room (OR) nurses create challenges in staffing.
- Decreasing the registered nurse (RN) to surgical technologist ratio is a goal for cost reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe retention strategies within an OR nurse training program.
- To address the challenge of filling OR RN positions amidst staff shortages and cost-cutting measures.
- To explore training focused on optimal patient outcomes as a cost-effective approach.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a comprehensive OR nurse training program.
- Inclusion of classroom study, direct OR training, and preceptorship.
- Focus on retention strategies within a southeastern teaching hospital setting.
Main Results:
- The described strategies were utilized in an OR nurse training program.
- The program aimed to retain trained nurses and improve OR staffing.
- Training focused on patient outcomes may offer cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Training programs are a key strategy to address OR nurse shortages.
- Integrating classroom learning, practical training, and mentorship enhances nurse retention.
- Optimizing training for patient outcomes can be a cost-effective solution for hospitals.