Alternate clinical sites - learning objectives

[manna, BSN, RN]

Well, we're in the midst of second semester clinicals. Having lots of fun, but haven't spent any time on the floor yet since JCAHO is there! Eek!

Tomorrow we're back in the hospital, though - and I'm rotating to the OR. Really excited about that, but this is the first chance I've gotten to rotate around and we're required to fill out a sheet tonight before we go with "learning objectives for this alternate site."

I'll admit I'm guilty of stressing over things that should be simple, but anyone have any ideas of what would be good learning objectives for the OR?

The instructor suggested something vague like "better understand the responsibilities of the OR RN," but I have to have several... so any help would be great! Thanks yall :)

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Visiting the AORN website would help?

Also, be observant on everything. What does she do to ID the pt. and what all is done in the name of pt. safety and care? How does she assist anesthesia?

[manna, BSN, RN]

I'm guessing because of my post people will either be thinking, "Why did she ask such a stupid question?" or "Why did she ask for help with an assignment here?" :chuckle :chuckle

I figured I'd ask anyway, I feel like I've lurked around allnurses long enough that people should know I'm not a slacker trying to get someone to do my schoolwork for me. :chuckle :chuckle

Thanks for the help, Marie! You work in an OR, don't you?

I'm really looking forward to the experience! So far, my clinical experiences consist of mostly patients with pneumonia (was at a VERY small hospital last semester).

[HappyNurse2005, RN]

we have to write objectives for our preceptorships. for our "alternate clinical sites" (we call them observations since we dont get to do anything but watch and ask questions) we have an assignment to do.

anyways, my suggestions

the student will:

observe the pre-op assessment and learn the components of said assessment

observe the process of obtaining informed consent

observe pre-op teaching given to patient

observe the role of the nurse in pre-medicating the operative patient

observe the basics of positioning an operative patient based on type of surgery

observe safety measures taken in OR (securing pt to table, taping eyes shut)

observe the role of the circulating nurse

observe the role of the scrub nurse

observe the role of the CRNA (if one is used there)

observe role of nurse during emergency in the OR

observe the post op routine for the nurse

observe criteria for taking patient to PACU

observe role of nurse admitting patient to PACU

observe critical assessments done by PACU nurse, based on type of surgery

observe criteria for moving pt out of PACU

hth

rose

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I'm guessing because of my post people will either be thinking, "Why did she ask such a stupid question?" or "Why did she ask for help with an assignment here?" :chuckle :chuckle

I figured I'd ask anyway, I feel like I've lurked around allnurses long enough that people should know I'm not a slacker trying to get someone to do my schoolwork for me. :chuckle :chuckle

Thanks for the help, Marie! You work in an OR, don't you?

I'm really looking forward to the experience! So far, my clinical experiences consist of mostly patients with pneumonia (was at a VERY small hospital last semester).

I was given a list of objections for my OR rotation when i was in school, but i don't think i have that paper anymore. I'll have to look.

[manna, BSN, RN]

Thanks again you guys! These are great suggestions! :)

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Here are 2 that I remember from when I spent two days in the OR ...

1) Compare & contrast the role of the scrub nurse and the circulator.

2) Describe precautions taken by each member of the OR team to ensure patient safety.

Sorry, can't remember the rest -- and the papers are buried in the pile marked "Med-Surg" :chuckle

Enjoy your time in the OR - I found it fascinating! :)