Standards of Professional Performance of Registered Nurses in Operating Room

The entry into the professional operating room (OR) nursing as the clinical practice setting of choice is as a staff nurse. A staff nurse should have a degree in Nursing (Nursing) who has successfully passed the nursing licensure examination (registered nurse or RN). A registered nurse should be competent to provide nursing care for all surgical patients and to ensure a safe environment to achieve desired outcomes of surgical interventions.

Eight standards of perioperative practice has been identified that may be used to measure professional performance of registered nurses (RNs) in the operating room (OR).

1. Quality of Care. The perioperative nurses are expected to systematically evaluate the quality and appropriateness of nursing practice. It is anticipated that RN’s in the OR should participate the quality assessment and improvement programs to promote a quality care.
2. Performance Appraisal. The practice of a perioperative nurse evaluates his or her own performance in context with the professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations. Defining and evaluating professional practice behaviors is an ongoing process. To provide a framework for future growth and development self-assessment and feedback from the health care team members should be gathered.
3. Education. The perioperative nurse acquires and maintains current knowledge in the nursing practice.
4. Collegiality. It is expected that a perioperative nurse contribute to the professional growth of his or her peers, colleagues and others by sharing knowledge and expertise through preceptor program, role modeling and mentorships. This assists the colleagues to attain a broader base knowledge.
5. Ethics. The decisions and the actions of a perioperative nurse on behalf of the patients are determined by the governing ethical principles. Delivery of care and services should be within the practice parameter of not violating the basic rights of the clients.
6. Collaboration. It is a standard obligation of a perioperaive nurse to collaborate not only with the patient but also with the significant others and health care providers in providing care. To attain the expected outcomes patient care should be a unified effort that is supported by internal and external forces that follows the same goal.
7. Research. The perioperative nurse uses research findings in carrying out his or her practice.
8. Resource Use. In the planning and the implementation of the patient care the perioperative nurse should consider factors relating to safety, effectiveness, efficiency, environmental concerns and cost.