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Perioperative Nursing (Online)

Three members of a surgical health care team wearing scrubs in a sterile environment complete a procedure.

Advance your nursing career with specialized training in perioperative care. Prepare for an in-demand role in the operating room by enhancing your surgical nursing skills to support patients before, during and after surgery.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Perioperative Nursing (Online)
Credential
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
Other
Start Date(s)
Ongoing
Locations
Online
Open to
Domestic Students
CIP Code
51.3812

Find your career

Skilled perioperative nurses are essential to providing patient-focused care before, during and after surgery. Working as part of the health care team, perioperative nurses: 

  • Prepare patients for surgery by providing education and conducting preliminary assessments. 
  • Ensure patient and staff safety by applying infection control and aseptic principles to maintain a sterile environment. 
  • Assist in surgery by passing instruments, monitoring the patient and supporting the surgical team. 
  • Deliver compassionate post-operative care by managing pain, monitoring recovery and preventing complications. 
  • Support patients of all ages undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures, including ENT, pediatrics, orthopedics, trauma, plastics, neurosurgery, ophthalmic, cardiac, vascular, thoracic, genitourinary, geriatric and ambulatory surgeries. 

Is it for you?

A nursing career specialized in perioperative nursing may be a good fit if you are: 

  • Compassionate and patient-focused. 
  • Able to think quickly in high-pressure situations. 
  • A strong communicator and team player. 
  • Skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking. 
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, technical environment. 

How you'll learn

Flexible learning that fits your life.

Gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive as part of a perioperative team through a blend of online learning and hands-on clinical experience.

  • Understand the roles of the scrub and circulating nurse, including assisting with anesthesia, patient positioning, basic instrumentation, sutures, needles and surgical modalities.
  • Explore key nursing concepts to support patient care, such as wound healing, post-operative care and pain management.
  • Prepare for diverse procedures by gaining insight into the nursing care required for a range of surgeries.
  • In preparation for your clinical placement, practise safe and sterile techniques during a two-day, in-person lab at Quinte Health – Trenton Memorial Hospital.
  • Throughout your studies, the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) Standards will be referenced to support learning.

Please note: This program is designed for licensed nurses currently working in a perioperative role or those who have secured employer support for a perioperative nursing placement. Placement is completed on a full-time basis over a four-week period.

Courses information

Please note:

  • Courses should be completed in the order listed below.
  • Students should complete all program requirements within seven years.
  • Students may apply to receive the credential after completing all required courses.
  • Visit Loyalist Focus for more information and to register for courses.

 

Required courses

HLTH 8155

Perioperative Nursing 1

HLTH 8156

Perioperative Nursing 2

HLTH 8157

Perioperative Nursing 3

HLTH 8158

Perioperative Nursing 4

HLTH 8549

Perioperative Nursing Lab

LMSP 8001

Distance Placement Orientation

WKPL 8003

Perioperative Nursing Placement (150 hours)

 

For information about courses that are currently available, visit Loyalist Focus.

Admission Requirements

This program is open for enrolment on a course-by-course basis. Students should possess a current RN or RPN designation prior to registering for courses.

 

Please note: Proof of the above is required in order to go on placement, graduate from this program and receive your certificate.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024–25)

Course availability and costs can be found at Loyalist Focus. 

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