OPERAPRA1 Clinical Studies in Theatre Nursing, Level 1 Course description

The students will undergo practical training at surgical departments or day surgery units. Under supervision, the students will attend to the functions and areas of responsibility of a theatre nurse in connection with surgical examinations and/or treatment of acutely and/or critically ill patients. The students are expected to demonstrate clear progress, take responsibility and, to an increasing extent, demonstrate the ability to make independent assessments in theatre nursing practice.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of complications in connection with acute and/or critical illness, advanced medical treatment and theatre nursing
• has knowledge of how to fulfil the needs of acutely and/or critically ill patients in a vulnerable, critical and life-threatening phase
• has knowledge of infection prevention work
• has knowledge of the laws and regulations that regulate medical equipment so that he/she can use such equipment in a safe and satisfactory manner and prevent patient injury
• has knowledge of the laws and regulations that regulate infection prevention measures
• has knowledge of how to prepare and use medical equipment and risk factors associated with the use of such equipment
• has knowledge of different surgical methods, wound assessment and wound treatment

Skills

The student

• is capable, under supervision, of analysing and taking a critical approach to existing theories and methods in theatre nursing
• is capable, under supervision, of making observations and clinical assessments while the patient is under surgical examination and/or treatment
• The student is capable, under supervision, of work on practical and theoretical problem-solving relating to the theatre nurse's functions and areas of responsibility
  • is capable of observing, assessing and identifying a patient's general and special needs, resources and problems through communication and cooperation with the patient and his/her next of kin
  • is capable of preventing complications in connection with surgical examinations and/or treatment and prioritising patient safety
  • is capable of implementing infection prevention measures
  • is capable of preventing injuries from arising in connection with positioning of the patient
  • is capable of preventing and treating unintentional hypothermia
  • is capable of checking, preparing and using advanced medical equipment, surgical instruments and equipment used for surgery
  • is capable of critical reflection when making choices and acting in an ethically and legally satisfactory manner
  • is capable of ensuring continuity in patient treatment through written and oral documentation
  • is capable of cooperating with members of his/her own profession and across professions in patient treatment

Competence

The student

• is capable, under supervision, of analysing relevant ethical issues in theatre nursing based on relevant discipline knowledge, research, experience and patient knowledge
• is capable, under supervision, of taking the initiative to and initiating treatment in order of priority in accordance with his/her own competence and within the framework of the applicable laws and regulations

Simulation and supervised practical training.

The following coursework requirements must be met before a student can receive an assessment for the course:

• The student's specification of learning outcomes for the course.

The assessment is based on the learning outcomes for the course, the student's specification of the learning outcomes and the formative assessment made of the student during the practical training period.

An attendance requirement applies to practical training. In order to pass a practical training course, the student must have attended at least 90% of the planned activities in each course. Students must make up for absence exceeding 10% by agreement with the lecturer and the practical training establishment. If a student's absence exceeds 20%, he/she will fail the course. Students who fail a period of practical training must retake the whole training period.

Not relevant

Pass/fail.

The summative assessment is carried out by a representative of the practical training establishment and a representative of the university. The final decision on whether to award a pass or fail grade is made by the university.