Perioperative class?

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Specializes in OR.

Hello,

I was recently hired in the OR and I would like to take a perioperative course for RNs. I have been searching for classes throughout Southern CA but have only found 2 so far. One being El Camino College in Torrance and the other is COC in Valencia. I even contacted AORN and they did not have a directory of colleges/facilities that offered these kind of courses, only hospitals. I called the hospitals and they said I needed to be an employee in order to take the course. Does anyone know of any other periop courses in or around LA? I live in the Valley and am more than willing to drive a bit. I had know idea these classes were so few and far between.

Thanks for your help!

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

When you were hired for the OR position, did they tell you that you needed to take the class, or are you just wanting to be super prepared?

If they told you that you needed to take a periop class, they should provide that for you. AORN has Periop 101 online. Are you a member?

If you are wanting to be REALLY prepared (and if this is so, you are a woman after my own heart), then I would suggest breaking out your Alexander's text. So much useful information is included in this text, and I believe that it would help you tremendously.

If you let me know what your baseline knowledge of the OR is, I can guide you through some of the expectations/typical duties and tasks that you will be responsible for. You can PM me.

CONGRATS on getting an OR position! You will have SO MUCH FREAKING FUN!!!

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

As an individual you can purchase the course to take on-line from the AORN, but it is expensive to buy an individual package. Usually, the hospitals that require this class provide the class to their new employee. As far as I know it's not something that you sign up for at a college. It's a modulare course that you progress through on line, and it should be backed up and reinforced by clinical learning on-the-job during your internship with the hospital. Speak to your HR department where you have been hired and find out whether they are going to put you through this course before you purchase it yourself.

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Specializes in OR.

Thank you for the quick replies!

Canedukesgirl, they did not say I needed to take the class. I just want to learn all I can. :) Sorry, I don't have the PM option. I have some knowledge in the OR. I was volunteering full time at an ASC to learn the role of the circulator for over a month then I was hired at a hospital in mid March. I am so grateful to have the job but feel like I'm not being taught the proper ways to do things so I bust out my Alexander's book every chance I get. I want to find a class so I can learn to scrub also.

I plan on joining the AORN for sure.

TakeTwoAspirin, my hospital doesn't offer the course so I'm on my own. I wish they did though.

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I know Saddleback College in Mission Viejo offers a Perioperative Nursing class, but I'm not sure if it is exactly what you are looking for...Worth checking out though :)

N 238 - Perioperative nursing theory and practice necessary for entry level into the operating room. Focuses on utilization of the nursing process to provide care for clients undergoing surgical intervention. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP60.

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