1073 - Reimagining Perioperative Education: Integrating Competency for Excellence

Overview/Abstract: The landscape of nursing education is evolving, bringing, a perfect moment to redefine perioperative learning. As nursing programs nationwide work to align their curricula with the 2021 AACN Essentials, a pivotal moment emerges: the rebirth of "Project Alpha"! This initiative integrates perioperative nursing education into undergraduate programs - equipping the next generation of nurses with skills, competence, and confidence to deliver high-quality perioperative care.

The call for change is not new. McNamara (2006) identified the operating room as a powerhouse for skill building, critical thinking, and holistic patient care, advocating for early perioperative exposure in nursing education. Responding to the call for change, the panelists reimagined perioperative education, overcoming post-pandemic challenges to revitalize clinical rotations. Amid disrupted training, faculty shortages, and evolving educational models, they redefined perioperative practice by establishing bold collaborations between academic institutions and clinical sites to provide nursing students with structured, hands-on perioperative experience. Their efforts set a new precedent, making perioperative education more accessible, impactful, and aligned with competency-based models, securing its place in the future of nursing curricula.

Fast forward to today, Vortman et al. (2024) have put forth a compelling roadmap that aligns perioperative learning with competency -based education, making clear that strategic integration isn't just beneficial-it's essential. They address critical issues such as limited clinical accessibility, offering innovative solutions that make perioperative education more attainable, sustainable, and effective than ever.

This presentation reimagines AORN Past President McNamara's "Project Alpha" as a flexible, competency-based model that enhances rather than replaces existing curricula leveraging updated guidance, strategic partnerships, and bold teaching innovations. Perioperative nursing can shift from an underrepresented specialty to a key workforce solution. As nursing shortages intensify, now is the time to bridge the divide between academia and surgical practice-creating a pipeline of skilled, and confident perioperative workforce that is ready to excel!