Special Considerations in the Perioperative Environment for Registered Nurses

What is Leadership?

Leadership can be defined as the process of engaging and influencing others. This does not need to be done from a formal role; it can be seen through circulating nurses who provide leadership within their own operating rooms. Through precepting and training unfamiliar staff, advocating for changes based on the latest evidence, all registered nurses are leaders and can create change within the perioperative setting.

(MacPhee, 2020)

Key Attributes of a Great Leader

Uses a Strengths-Based Approach – A strengths-based approach to leadership is based on the notion that individuals are much more productive and effective if they focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses. Using a strengths-based approach to leadership has been proven to have better outcomes than focusing on individual’s shortfalls.

Has Emotional Intelligence – This is vital as a leader. One must know their own feelings and emotions as well as others. This is critical in stressful and challenging situations.

Uses Appreciative Inquiry – This is related to how leaders question and solve problems. Leaders must identify what is working well and build on those strengths when looking at addressing challenges.

Resiliency – Leaders must be able to bounce back and thrive after challenging situations. Through coping strategies such as seeking support, problem solving, and work life balance, leaders can demonstrate resilience.

Demonstrates Mindfulness – It is easy to think ahead to future solutions or back to past events, but by being aware of what is happening in the present, leaders demonstrate mindfulness.

(MacPhee, 2020)

Leading Perioperative Change within Management

RNs can lead and support the perioperative environment in management roles. Great perioperative managers demonstrate:

  1. Knowledge of the OR environment from the font line.
  2. A collaborative and teamwork attitude.
  3. An ability to form and maintain relationships.
  4. A keen interest in supporting and growing staff members.
  5. Critical thinking skills.
  6. An ability to problem solve.
🧩 Practice Activity: ORNAC Competencies of Perioperative Registered Nurse Managers

Complete the activity by dragging the text block into a drop zone. Select “Check” when you feel confident in your answer(s).

(ORNAC, 2021)

Leading Perioperative Change within Education

Educators are essential in the perioperative environment where it is critical that staff learn and maintain attention to detail in all skills learned. Educators within the perioperative environment must be:

  1. Collaborative
  2. Supportive
  3. Able to link to resources
  4. Build a sense of camaraderie among new and senior staff