College: Graduate Programs Institute

This specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of surgical nursing, focusing on the care and management of patients undergoing surgical procedures. Students explore key areas such as preoperative care, intraoperative assistance, postoperative recovery, and patient education. The program emphasizes clinical skills, critical thinking, and the application of nursing principles to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Graduates are prepared for careers in surgical nursing, operating room nursing, and surgical care.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of surgical nursing and surgical care.
• Develop skills in preoperative assessment, patient preparation, and postoperative monitoring.
• Learn techniques for assisting in surgical procedures and managing surgical instruments.
• Explore the role of patient education and emotional support in surgical care.
• Understand infection control principles and surgical safety.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in the field of surgical nursing.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for surgical nursing projects.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Surgical Nursing - Overview of the field, its history, and its importance in healthcare.
2. Preoperative Care - Study of preoperative assessment, patient preparation, and informed consent. - Techniques to ensure patients are physically and emotionally ready for surgery.
3. Intraoperative Assistance - Principles of surgical asepsis, instrument handling, and assisting surgeons during procedures. - Techniques to maintain a sterile environment and ensure patient safety.
4. Postoperative Recovery - Basics of postoperative monitoring, pain management, and wound care. - Techniques to prevent complications and promote recovery.
5. Patient Education and Support - Explore strategies for patient education and emotional support for surgical patients. - Techniques to address patient concerns and improve outcomes post-surgery.
6. Infection Control and Surgical Safety - Study of infection prevention protocols, sterilization techniques, and surgical safety measures. - Techniques to reduce the risk of surgical site infections and other complications.
7. Emerging Trends in Surgical Nursing - Analysis of innovations such as minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. - Techniques for adapting to new trends and technologies in surgical care.
8. Final Project in Surgical Nursing - A practical project to apply acquired skills in preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative care. - Techniques for delivering a comprehensive surgical nursing solution.

Assessment Methods:

• Clinical simulations and practical exercises in surgical environments.
• Written assignments on preoperative care, infection control, and patient education.
• Group projects on surgical safety and postoperative recovery.
• Participation in internships or clinical placements in hospitals or surgical centers.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery" by Jane C. Rothrock.
• "Perioperative Nursing: An Introductory Text" by Lois Hamlin, Marilyn Richardson-Tench, and Menna Davies.
• "Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach" by the Association of Surgical Technologists.
• "Clinical Nursing Skills & Techniques" by Anne Griffin Perry and Patricia A. Potter.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of nursing, anatomy, and physiology is recommended. Suitable for students in nursing and related healthcare fields.

Duration:

Typically 4 years, including coursework, clinical practice, and internships.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in surgical nursing or a related field and may pursue additional certifications (e.g., Certified Perioperative Nurse, CNOR).

Target Audience:

Aspiring surgical nurses, operating room nurses, and surgical care specialists seeking to excel in the care and management of surgical patients. This specialization equips students with the clinical, technical, and interpersonal skills needed to excel in surgical nursing, achieving optimal patient outcomes and safety in surgical environments.