Current nursing management of an entry-level perioperative nursing course.

In response to today's health care environment, the entry-level course in perioperative nursing is continually evaluated and updated. This reflects our ethical and social responsibilities to new nurses in the operating room and our commitment to high-quality patient care. The need for technical knowledge by the professional perioperative nurse is increasing, but the necessity for patient advocacy and holistic care is not superseded by technical considerations. This is what differentiates the professional nurse from the technician. This theme is constantly emphasized during the course. We believe that this entry-level course is a valid response to the need for perioperative nurses. It is cost-effective. It promotes group interaction and peer support during the learning and socialization process, which in turn makes the new nurse more likely to remain employed in the institution's operating room.