Section 1. Preparation for practice placement experience
This section focuses on what you need to do and to learn about prior to commencing your surgical nursing placement. There are four chapters, all of which will enable you to gain new knowledge if you have not previously experienced such a placement or update your knowledge if you have.
As well as focusing on general preparation for placement issues which apply to any placement, you will find relevant sections which require active engagement in searching evidence, reading about surgical procedures and, most importantly, anatomy and physiology which is essential for understanding what happens at all stages of a patient’s experience of a surgical procedure.
Chapter 1 explains the meaning of surgery and surgical nursing, terminology and key personnel involved in caring for a patient who is undergoing surgery.
Chapter 2 introduces the principles of surgical nursing, explaining the key principles of surgical nursing, knowledge and skills required to care for a patient undergoing surgery and includes some of the evidence base underpinning the principles of surgical nursing.
Chapter 3 explains what a surgical placement is and what you can expect to find in terms of the environment in which perioperative care takes place. It explores some learning opportunities you might experience and also the various kinds of placements where specific types of surgical interventions are carried out.
Chapter 4 focuses on specific learning and/or revision prior to your placement. Short revision points, tests and goal setting for your Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) competencies and essential skills are explored.