Mastering a steep learning curve: Trends in perioperative orientation

A solid orientation is a cornerstone for successful perioperative nursing. Choosing the right candidates and giving them the knowledge and skills to adapt to the surgical environment are essential to safe practice and to retaining staff. The learning curve for perioperative nursing is steeper than ever— 83% of hospitals are hiring RNs without OR experience, and 55% are hiring new graduates, according to this year's OR Manager Salary/Career Survey. We interviewed perioperative directors and educators from 5 organizations about orientation and how they prepare new recruits. And because they often don't have OR experience to go by, we also asked how they select candidates they believe have the right qualities to become successful perioperative nurses (page 14).