Using the Operating Room to Meet End-of-Program Outcomes

Clinical placement in nursing education is an emerging and pressing challenge, with the need to expose students to a wide range of positive and fundamental learning experiences. Employers expect new graduates to have higher levels of competence, with varied skills and a sharpened ability to think critically. Using perioperative practice settings as clinical sites can provide an extensive array of learning experiences for nursing students that enhance the knowledge, skills, and values needed to practice premier nursing at that expected and higher level. This article demonstrates the transferability of skills, knowledge, and values that new graduates can learn in the operating room and provides an overview of how a clinical operating room experience can help nurse educators achieve end-of-program outcomes.