Perioperative Nurse

This perioperative nursing program is designed to prepare registered nurses and level 3 and 4 registered nursing students, with no previous perioperative experience for entry into perioperative nursing practice. The course provides the basic knowledge and clinical skills necessary to function independently in an entry-level perioperative nursing position. The curriculum is based on the latest, evidenced-based guidelines for perioperative practice and is presented using a combination of lecture, hands-on skills, and clinical experiences. Topics include an introduction to perioperative nursing practice, related core nursing skills, teamwork in the perioperative setting, the operating room environment, and standards for aseptic technique and surgical patient safety.

The program anticipates approximately two to five completions annually. 

The goal of the program is to provide students the opportunity to pursue a career as a perioperative nurse as well as prepare for related employment opportunities. Students will also receive an apprenticeship certification with the United States Department of Labor (DOL) and the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS).

The perioperative program that Bakersfield College would like to offer is a comprehensive program, utilizing the Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), Perioperative 101 Curriculum. The program will offer didactic, skills lab and clinical components as part of the basic curricular course. The competency-based apprenticeship will be a minimum of 6 months to ensure the learner has developed the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to work effectively within the perioperative setting. The program will significantly decrease the cost to train each student. To begin, recruitment will be completed through in-house advertisement with local community partners and announcements to students through their current college courses. It will be offered to the community through the Bakersfield College website. This should support recruitment for our community partners.