Learning outcomes specific to Theatre Experience

Learning outcomes specific to Theatre Experience Nursing Studies Learning outcomes specific to Theatre Experience The patient presenting for surgery is in a vulnerable position and requires understanding, care and respect from the theatre team. The nurse working in theatre can have various roles and may be referred to as a peri-operative nurse, embracing patient focused, holistic care. A variety of skills are utilised in theatre including clinical, technical, caring, managerial, organisational and communication skills. Patient safety is paramount and advocacy is also part off the nurse’s role. The nurse is one of the team contributing to patient care, safety and recovery as the patient moves through the anaesthetic room, theatre and recovery area. The peri-operative role also incorporates part of the patient’s preparation for surgery and post surgical recovery. Pre-operative visits to patients can be helpful for both patients and staff; addressing issues of concern, providing information and highlighting any particular needs. Post-surgical visits allow for any follow-up and feedback to the theatre staff. In theatre and during their recovery patients require intensive support and special care in this unfamiliar environment. Whether a patient will be anaesthetised or not they are likely to experience a degree of anxiety related to their surgery and some concern about the lack of control they have in this situation. A caring supportive manner is important to instil confidence and security in the patient. During your experience in the operating theatre you should have an opportunity to contribute to patient care in the anaesthetic room, in theatre and in the recovery area. Learning outcomes to be achieved during this placement During the first two days: Become familiar with the layout and the environment Become familiar with the emergency procedures in event of fire and cardiac arrest Throughout the placement Participate in the team-work involved in the peri-operative care of patients Explore all learning opportunities available Learning outcomes are specified under three headings below. In the Anaesthesia Room Be able to:  Receive patients into the anaesthetic room from the ward staff with relevant information and documentation  Communicate with patients and provide psychological support  Check documentation about the patient transferred from the ward     Make observations and recordings on the patient’s physical status Assist the anaesthetic team as appropriate Assist with the safe positioning of patient Know the common anaesthetic agents used in theatre and how they act In the Operating Theatre Be able to  Communicate with patients having a local anaesthetic  Discuss the measures taken to ensure patient safety and follow these procedures  Understand the use of diathermy and apply the necessary precautions in its use  Describe/demonstrate the various patient positions used for different types pf surgery undertaken in the theatre  Explain and apply the principles of draping prior to surgery  Explain the procedures to minimise the risk of infection  Explain and follow the precautions taken when opening sterile equipment  Explain and follow procedures for dealing with used instruments/equipment  Describe the significance of swab, needle and instrument counts and participate in these  Describe how blood loss is monitored and estimated in theatre  Understand and maintain the concept of the sterile field  Discuss the different methods of sterilisation of instruments/equipment and employ these as appropriate  Describe the different types of suture materials and their use  Participate in the duties of a ‘floor’ nurse in theatre  Participate in the duties of a ‘scrub’ nurse in theatre  Deal with the collection, labelling and dispatch of specimens  Describe some of the common surgical procedures including the anatomical structures involved  Discuss the implications of the different forms of surgery for aftercare of the patient In the Recovery Area Be able to:  Check the required appliances/equipment in the recovery room is functioning and available  Identify the risks for patients recovering from an anaesthetic  Manage the recovery of patients from anaesthetic in uncomplicated cases  Make observations on the patient recovering from anaesthetic and assess their conscious state, cardiovascular and respiratory status, the status of their wound and drainage and their experience of pain.  Contribute to the control of pain and nausea  Administer medications as appropriate  Make observations using the Glasgow Coma Scale as appropriate  Care for patients having oxygen therapy and assess its effectiveness  Contribute to the case of a patient having assisted/artificial ventilation  Provide oral suction as required  Monitor fluid balance  Report to ward staff with respect to the management of the patient in theatre and the recovery room on their return to the ward.