Perioperative nursing in the college curriculum. A custom fit.

Although this course is in its infancy, it has become popular among baccalaureate students. Incoming junior students are enthusiastic about an elective course that provides them an opportunity to focus on an aspect of nursing that is no longer available to them in most nursing programs. The morale of the operating room nursing staff, particularly among the preceptors, has increased tenfold. In an era of nursing shortages, creative and innovative methods of recruiting students and retaining experienced nurses in all fields are vital. This unique course may be one of those methods. It is widely known that high morale yields a more productive work environment, lower turnover, and a cohesive work force that provides high quality nursing care in a most cost-effective manner.