Evaluating Operating Theatre Experience Student Nurses in South East Wales

Abstract

Nurses following the traditional pre-registration programme used to be offered a theatre placement of up to ten weeks’ duration and it was during this period that they were able to develop key nursing skills in the care of the perioperative patient (Hughes 2003). Prior to the implementation of the Fitness for Practice (FFP) curriculum (UKCC 1999a), students in parts of Wales were denied a theatre placement. However, the new programme highlighted the need for closer links between academic and clinical educators and allowed students the opportunity to experience the perioperative environment.