A Competency-Based Orientation (CBO) Protocol Enhances Competency Among Newly Hired Perianesthesia Nurses.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop a competency-based orientation (CBO) protocol based on the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses Nursing Standards and CBO for perianesthesia nurses. DESIGN: Feasibility study with pre-post survey design. METHODS: A CBO protocol that included nursing care workflows for 11 common surgical cases was developed and used in orienting newly hired perianesthesia nurses. Newly hired nurses completed a pre-post self-assessment on their level of competency in caring for surgical patients. FINDINGS: Using Wilcoxon signed rank test, improved competency was found in all service areas except for pediatric care. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing competency in the perianesthesia area is critical in fulfilling one's role as a nurse. A robust CBO protocol for the perianesthesia nurse is important when integrating an employee into the organization and preparing the nurse for success.