Perianesthesia Nursing Program

About this programme

In this specialty area, perioperative nurses care for patients from all age groups and work in various surgical subspecialties. Perioperative nurses are an integral part of the interprofessional team, caring for patients during their most vulnerable time, and advocating for them in the operating room when they cannot do so for themselves. Perioperative practical nurses must work well under pressure, multitask, and have strong teamwork skills. The operating room is a high-tech environment that is constantly evolving, which is a perfect fit for nurses who are interested in learning and willing to adapt to change. This program offers online theory courses, simulation and real-world clinical experience, to provide the Registered Nurse with the necessary knowledge and skills to competently care for patients undergoing surgery in both the scrub and circulating role while working efficiently and effectively in the perioperative environment. This course provides a foundational overview of the perioperative setting, including the design and flow of the perioperative environment, the roles and responsibilities of the perioperative nurse, an introduction to the interprofessional team, and an overview of different surgical modalities. Students are introduced to the perioperative nurses professional association – the Operating Room Nurses’ Association of Canada (ORNAC) and begin to understand how the association guides professional practice through the use of the ORNAC standards. Students develop an understanding of foundational perioperative principles including patient safety, asepsi