SIAST - Perioperative Nursing/RN

Perioperative Nursing/RN

Location(s): Regina Distance Learning Option

As in many other areas of nursing, career opportunities for perioperative RNs are expanding in response to evolving health care delivery models. SIAST’s Perioperative Nursing/RN program prepares you to take advantage of these opportunities.

The advanced certificate program for registered nurses provides specialized education in applying the nursing process to perioperative nursing, principles and practice of aseptic technique, basic technical skills for surgical procedures, legal/ethical issues and more. The program is approved by the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC).

Who qualifies?

To enrol, you must be currently licensed with the registered nurses’ licensing body in the province where you plan to do your clinical practice education.

Why SIAST?

SIAST is one of the most respected providers of nursing education in Canada. Our online educational format links you with fellow students across Canada, while also allowing you to interact with faculty. High-tech simulation learning centres use near-life scenarios to give you hands-on practice. Clinical practice education enables you to hone your new nursing skills, preparing you for the dynamic environment of an operating room.

On graduation, you can:

receive transfer credits within the post-RN degree programs at the University of Saskatchewan and Athabasca University

apply for practice hours to maintain your registration with the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association (SRNA) if registered in Saskatchewan while taking the program

apply to write the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) national certification exam to earn a CPN(C) designation (with necessary clinical hours)

Is this program for you?

Perioperative nursing involves care of patients immediately before, during and after surgery. It includes the role of scrub nurse, who works directly with surgeons, and circulating nurse, who facilitates the surgical procedures and assists the anaesthetist. It is an exciting career path that offers a high-energy environment, lifelong learning and direct patient care.

All theory courses in the program are delivered over the Internet, so you can build your professional credentials while maintaining job and family responsibilities. The lab (NURS 202) and clinical (CLIN 221) portions take place at pre-approved agencies within Saskatchewan health regions. The program is designed to enable you to complete in approximately eight months of full-time study or within three years of part-time study.

Refer to Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

Length: 23 weeks

Career Opportunities

Perioperative nurses are in demand across Canada. The ongoing evolution of health care delivery and technology is opening doors to a growing number of career opportunities in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centres, freestanding clinics and more.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the SIAST campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): October, January

For more information, send an email to perioperative@siast.sk.ca

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Admission Requirements

Licensed with the registered nurses' licensing body in the province where you will participate in the clinical experience. Your registration must be active and current in order to participate in the clinical component.

English Language Requirement

Note

Prior to participating in CLIN 221, you must have proof of:

Current immunization

Current CPR Health Care Provider/AED Level 'C' Certificate

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.

The on-site labs take place in Regina or Saskatoon. You must be successful in the lab components to continue on into clinical.
Your clinical experience is approximately 10 weeks (400 hours) and occurs in Saskatchewan. It takes place in an operating room under the direction of a clinical instructor and with the participation of experienced perioperative nurse preceptors.
Special requests to complete on-site labs and clinical practice outside Saskatchewan may be considered.

The theory component of the program is offered online.

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Heather Harrison
I began working in the operating room at the General Hospital in the fall of 2006. At first I was nervous, but I quickly became very comfortable and appreciative of the positive and friendly work environment.

I enjoy being part of a team that provides so many people with the help that they need. It is extremely rewarding to give someone a much needed gift such as a knee replacement or a heart bypass.

The Perioperative Nursing program prepared me to work in the critical care area. The online courses and labs provided me with the information and tools that I use every day.

I am now able to go home after a shift and be happy with the work that I have done. Moving to the operating room was the best choice for me as a nurse, and I am looking forward to many more rewarding days.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Some transfer credit options for this program include:

transfer of 3 course credits toward the Post RN degree program, University of Saskatchewan

transfer of 6 course credits toward the Post RN Bachelor of Nursing degree program, Athabasca University

Courses
expand/contract all

ANAT 266 Anatomy Review

You will briefly review human anatomy and anatomical terminology in the context of perioperative nursing.

1.0 Credit Units
15.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
NURS 246 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

CLIN 221 Perioperative Nursing Practice/RN

You will participate in a 10-week clinical experience that is limited to specific pre-selected agencies. Within the role of the RN, you will integrate all aspects of the program into the delivery of patient care.

27.0 Credit Units
400.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning

Prerequisites:
NURS 202 Minimum Grade of P

NURS 202 Psychomotor Skills Lab

You will implement the theory and principles of perioperative nursing in the performance of basic skills. Selected psychomotor skills will be demonstrated and you will practice them in a laboratory setting.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning

Prerequisites:
NURS 248 Minimum Grade of 60

NURS 244 Surgical Environment

You will be introduced to the principles of asepsis, sterilization, disinfection and infection prevention through the implementation of perioperative nursing care standards. You will learn basic technical skills necessary to prepare yourself and the patient for a surgical procedure.

4.0 Credit Units
55.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Equivalent Course(s): NURS 209

NURS 245 Perioperative Nursing Process/RN

You will review communication skills and apply the nursing process to the perioperative period. You will identify nursing roles and scope of practice in the perioperative setting, patient safety issues and ethical, legal and moral obligations. You will study the principles of post-anesthesia nursing care and the safety practices and elements of surgical suite management. You will also explore the concepts basic to ambulatory surgery.

4.0 Credit Units
55.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
NURS 244 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

NURS 246 Surgical Equipment

You will learn how to identify, arrange, use and care for surgical instruments and accessory surgical equipment. You will learn to safely prepare and handle supplies for surgical wound closure, perform a surgical count, and manage surgical specimens.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
NURS 244 Minimum Grade of 60 and ( NURS 245 Minimum Grade of 60 or NURS 250 Minimum Grade of 60)

NURS 247 Perioperative Nurse Anesthesia/RN

You will use the principles of nursing care of patients during induction and emergence from anesthesia, including emergency procedure protocols.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
NURS 245 Minimum Grade of 60

NURS 248 Surgical Procedures

You will focus on the nursing actions to be performed by the scrub and circulating nurse during surgical procedures and the specialized care requirements of pediatric, geriatric and morbidly obese patients.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

Prerequisites:
ANAT 266 Minimum Grade of 60 and ( NURS 247 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) or NURS 214 Minimum Grade of 60) (concurrent)

More Information

Phone 1-866-goSIAST