Competency-based orientation for perioperative cardiovascular nurses.

Abstract

Nurses working in cardiovascular surgery must be responsible and highly competent to meet the demands of their profession. Hospitals that hire nurses for cardiovascular surgery also must assume responsibility for the competency of nurses hired. The Virginia Heart Center at Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, uses a competency-based orientation plan to train newly hired cardiovascular surgery nurses in providing quality care. Competency-based orientation is an effective approach to incorporating new members of the team into the work environment. The benefits of this appraoch include the development of teamwork and esprit de corps, skill and knowledge enhancement, and possible increased staff retention.