“We failed her miserably. She left OR nursing altogether.” The healthcare industry is facing a critical nursing shortage, and inadequate training is driving many nurses away from the profession.💔 During the pandemic Cynthia L. Garza, DNP, RN, CNOR, was the Director of Surgical and Endoscopy Services in a brand new 59-bed hospital with 3 ORs, 2 endoscopy suites, and a cath lab—and the facility lost 60% of its perioperative nurses. Recruitment efforts for experienced OR nurses were falling short, so Cynthia tried to onboard a nurse with no prior OR experience. Without a structured framework, the attempt failed. This experience drove home an important lesson: nurse retention requires support, structure, and teamwork. Cynthia rebuilt her approach by collaborating with surgical teams and using evidence-based onboarding strategies to create a more sustainable future for her team. ✨ With tools like Periop 101, she found a way to provide the consistency and guidance her nurses needed to succeed. The results? 💡 Two nurses trained during the program are still thriving years later. 📉 Turnover costs reduced significantly. 💙 A stronger team, better prepared to handle challenges. Cynthia’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact thoughtful training and leadership can have—not just on nurse retention, but on patient care and team morale. Share your stories of nursing retention success and failure in the comments below. #nurselife #ORnurse #Nursing #Nurses #Nurse #Periop #Perioperative #PeriopNurse #ORLife
Buy-in from the manager and staff that want to learn how to be effective and supportive mentors and preceptors also make a difference. The course is great, however if the culture of the OR is toxic and "on fire", there will be excess pressure on the new hire to achieve unreal expectations. An important note, Periop 101 does not create a fully competent OR nurse who is independent and can hold their own. There was an article a long time ago that used Benner's Novide to Expert scale for the OR..At best, the new hire would only be considered a beginner or advanced beginner. Mentors and preceptors need to nurture a new hire, and remember where they started..No one was born an expert or became one overnight.
Cynthia's story happens in many places. Structure, Periop 101 and a caring manager makes all the difference.
Innovation, Product Launch Specialist. ADVOCATE for the Unsung Hero's of Healthcare in the OR; Nurses, Scrub Techs and Surgical Support staff. On MISSION to Empower & Celebrate them ALL, one Hospital at a time.
3wAfter four decades in luxury media sales, I have pivoted into a mission driven career with a surgical optimization platform. Expanded Existence, or eXeX.ai is poised to Revolutionize the Surgical Theater by supporting and enhancing the lives of the unsung heroes of the OR. Our IOS software maps every aspect, of any procedure; replacing preference cards & 3 ring binders with a digital synphony for the invaluable team that supports & serves surgeons and patients. DM me for details and a presentation that will set your heart ‘Aflutter’.