OPERAPRA3 Clinical Studies in Theatre Nursing, Level 3 Course description

The students will undergo practical training at surgical departments or day surgery units, and one day must be taken at a central sterile services department. The students will independently attend to the functions and areas of responsibility of a theatre nurse. 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.

Students must have passed OPERAPRA2 Clinical Studies in Theatre Nursing, Level 2 in order to start this course.

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 advanced knowledge of theatre nursing that enables him/her to fulfil the needs of acutely and/or critically ill patients in a vulnerable, critical and life-threatening phase
• has advanced knowledge of infection prevention work
• has in-depth knowledge of how to prepare and use medical equipment and risk factors associated with the use of such equipment
• is capable of analysing problems relating to theatre nursing on the basis of the discipline's history, traditions, distinctive nature and place in society

Skills

The student

• is capable of analysing and taking a critical approach to different sources of information and using them to structure and formulate theatre nursing argumentation
• is capable of initiating treatment in order of priority in accordance with his/her own competence and within the framework of the applicable laws and regulations
• is capable of analysing and taking a critical approach to existing theories and methods in advanced medical treatment and theatre nursing
• is capable of reducing stress, pain and discomfort in connection with advanced medical treatment and theatre nursing
• is capable of making observations and clinical assessments while the patient is under surgical examination and/or treatment
• is capable of acting competently in acute and problematic situations
• The student is capable of independent 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 promoting hygienic standards and implementing infection prevention measures at the surgical department
  • is capable of identifying acute situations
  • is capable of checking, preparing and using advanced medical equipment, surgical instruments and equipment used for surgery
  • is capable of preventing complications and prioritising patient safety under any circumstances
  • is capable of preventing injuries in connection with positioning of patients
  • is capable of preventing and treating unintentional hypothermia
• is capable of performing the coordination and sterile field functions of a theatre nurse in connection with surgical examinations and/or treatment
• 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 documenting, evaluating and quality assuring his/her own work

Competence

The student

• has action competence in the field of theatre nursing
• is capable of analysing relevant ethical issues in theatre nursing based on relevant discipline knowledge, research, experience and patient knowledge
• is capable of initiating treatment in order of priority in accordance with his/her own competence and within the framework of the applicable laws and regulations
• is capable of communicating about issues, analyses and conclusions in theatre nursing, both with specialists and the general public
• is capable of cooperating with members of his/her own profession and across professions in patient treatment
• contributing to new ideas and innovation processes

• Observations and clinical assessments in connection with serious self-care deficits in relation to a patient's fundamental needs.
• Preventing complications in connection with advanced acute and/or critical illness, advanced medical treatment and theatre nursing.
• Observations and clinical assessments relating to patients' psychosocial needs.
• Reducing stress and alleviating pain and discomfort in connection with advanced medical treatment and theatre nursing.
• Communication and interaction with surgical patients and their next of kin.
• Observations, clinical assessments and measures in infection prevention work.
• Preventing and treating unintentional hypothermia.
• Preventing complications in connection with positioning of patients.
• Professionally sound use of medical equipment.
• Written and oral documentation of theatre nursing.
• Teaching and guidance.
• Administration and management.

Simulation and supervised practical training.

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

1. The student's specification of learning outcomes for the course.
2. Teaching/providing guidance to patients or fellow students

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.