General Information about the Perioperative Nurse Internship Program

GENERAL INFORMATION

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	The Perioperative Nurse Internship program offers registered nurses and graduate nurses the opportunity to acquire additional theory and skills required for patient care in the surgical setting. The perioperative approach to patient care is employed. Upon successful completion of this two semester, 13 credit hour program, the nurse receives an Enhanced Skills Certificate. Is El Centro College an accredited institution? What are the courses like? How large is the class size? How do I get to the clinical sites? When do the students begin clinical rotations? Does El Centro College have on-campus housing? Do I need a physical examination prior to entering the program? Do I need to be CPR certified? Do I need liability insurance? What are the physical demands of the profession? What about drug testing or background check? Whom do I contact for more information?
	Is El Centro College accredited?
	El Centro College is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges, the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities, and the League for Innovation in the Community College. TOP
	What are the courses like?
	The program involves 17-24 hours of class and clinical experience every week. A student will need to plan 2-3 hours of studying and preparation time for each hour of class and clinical experience. The demands of the perioperative nurse internship courses suggest that students may not be able to work full time while enrolled in these courses. The program is rigorous, and students who plan to work or who have significant family responsibilities are encouraged to plan their schedules to accommodate the time commitment that this program demands. Perioperative Nurse Internship courses are taught only during daytime hours due to surgical schedules. The curriculum of the Perioperative Nurse Internship program is available online. TOP
	How large is the class size?
	The Perioperative Nurse Internship program accepts a class of approximately 10 students. The El Centro College Health/Legal and Continuing/Workforce Education Division reserves the right to make changes in program enrollment capacity. Program guidelines are subject to change. Students are advised to obtain the latest program information from the Health Occupations Admissions Office (Room A-140). TOP
	How do I get to the college and clinical sites?
	Students are responsible for providing their own transportation. It is also necessary to consider transportation costs to the college, as well as hospitals throughout the city. Full-time students are eligible for a free DART bus and light rail pass. Students are responsible for any parking fees. TOP
	When do the students begin clinical rotations?
	El Centro students begin their hospital rotations the first semester after admission to the program. Students rotate through metroplex hospitals, participating in a wide variety of procedures. Students also have access to the college surgical technology labs for additional practice time. TOP
	Does El Centro College have on-campus housing?
	No, El Centro College is located in the heart of downtown Dallas. Students are responsible for providing their own housing. TOP
	Do I need a physical examination prior to entering the program?
	A pre-entrance physical examination and immunization record form will be sent with acceptance letters. Results of the medical examination must be reported on the designated program medical examination form which is submitted at the registration seminar for that accepted class. The form documents a medical history, physical examination, and current record of the following immunizations: Tuberculin skin test within the last 6 months (if positive, chest x-ray required within last 2 years) Tetanus/diphtheria current within 10 years Measles/mumps/rubella ("MMR") including 2 doses of measles vaccine required either separately or in combination (MMR) Hepatitis B series Varicella disclaimer Students must have completed the first injection of the Hepatitis B series prior to registration for the program, and are responsible for submitting documentation verifying subsequent completion of the second and third injection to the Health Occupations Admissions Office. Health situations (i.e., pregnancy, allergies, and nursing mothers) that may prohibit the use of the hepatitis B vaccine must be documented by a physician, and a waiver signed by the student. You may visit a private physician, clinic, health maintenance organization, or medical center for the medical examination. The immunizations are available for students through the El Centro College Health Center for a reduced cost. Please call 214.860.2113 to make an appointment. Chest x-rays and physical exams are not provided at the El Centro College Health Center. TOP
	Do I need to be CPR certified?
	All students must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the "Healthcare Provider" level. A copy of the current CPR card must be submitted to the student's instructor on the first day of class. CPR classes are available through the El Centro College Continuing Education Division, the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, various hospitals, etc. TOP
	Do I need liability insurance?
	All Health Occupations students pay liability insurance fees. The student blanket professional liability policy covers students while they are participating in clinical activities that are a part of, and a requirement of, the student's curriculum. The student professional liability insurance does not cover students when employed in the hospital. The student liability insurance policy expires upon date of graduation. Students are not allowed in the clinical setting if their tuition and fees have not been paid. TOP
	What are the physical demands of the profession?
	The surgical setting is a physically and psychologically stressful employment area. Essential requirements, as distinguished from academic standards, refer to those cognitive, physical, and behavioral abilities that are necessary for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the curriculum. In considering Perioperative Nursing as a career, applicants should be aware of the following: Students will be required to lift and move patients, heavy instruments, heavy and bulky equipment and supplies, and stand or sit in one place for long periods of time, often without relief. In emergency situations, a student may be required to move very quickly. Fine hand-eye coordination skills are needed in certain situations while gross hand-eye coordination skills are needed in others (i.e., threading small-eyed needles or handing large orthopedic drills to surgeons). Students will be required to anticipate quickly and adequately the needs of the patient, physician, and other health workers. Students will be required to develop and utilize interpersonal relationship skills and be able to function in highly stressful situations. Students may be subjected to various gases, chemicals, and radiation which may be harmful to them, their reproductive system and/or unborn fetus. In order to protect the student, a physician's release form must be obtained by the student indicating the student is able to fully participate in the surgical setting. The surgical setting is a high-risk area for contracting human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and hepatitis B (HBV). Students are taught protective and precautionary procedures which must be followed in the clinical setting. Sufficient upper and lower body coordination to safely handle equipment, as well as assist in transferring and transporting patients and performing CPR. Other characteristics and physical demands required include: Willingness to work in stressful situations Able to work accurately and safely under stress, e.g., work under time constraints; read and record numbers accurately; perform repetitive tasks; concentrate in distracting situations; and make subjective evaluations and decisions where mistake may have a high impact on patient care. Ability to make decisions and solve problems Ability to listen to surgeons' orders and do what they requested Frequently listen to doctors and other medical workers Ability to understand and use words when speaking to others Ability to operate medical equipment with precision Frequently use arms and hands to reach for and handle medical equipment Ability to move the hands easily and skillfully Ability to move the fingers quickly or accurately Frequently use fingers to pick up small items, such as needles Occasionally use fingertips to feel a particular area of the patient Occasionally lift and move patients onto the operating table Occasionally stoop while working on patients Occasionally need to see nearby objects clearly, as when reading a medical chart Occasionally need to see the difference between colors Conscientiousness and respect for the confidential nature of medical information are required Possess attributes that include integrity, responsibility, and tolerance Show respect for self and others Essential abilities in information acquisition - the ability to master information presented in the course work in the form of lectures, written material, and projected images Cognitive abilities necessary to master relevant content in basic science and clinical courses at a level deemed appropriate by the faculty. Latex Advisory: Latex products are used in health care professions. They occur with universal precautions and in environments such as, but not limited to, Health Occupations classrooms and labs, hospitals, nursing care facilities, laboratories, clinical areas, and medical/dental offices. Individuals with latex allergies should seek expert advice from their health care provider to receive information necessary for an informed decision regarding their exposure to latex in the health care professions. TOP
	What about drug testing or background check?
	All clinical facilities require all students attending their facility have a current Drug and Background Screen. The prescreening requirements are the same as those required of employees. All screens must be conducted after admission to the clinical program, but within 30 days prior to the start of the agency rotation. Verification of the satisfactory results must be received by the participating hospital prior to the student's rotation start date, and will be honored by all hospitals for the duration of the student's enrollment in the clinical program if the participating student has not had a break in the enrollment at the college. The student is solely responsible for payment of all fees at the time of the screens. All reports and findings from the Background and Drugs screens will be reported directly to El Centro College Health Occupations Administration. The results of the screening can prevent clinical placement. The rationale for the screening is that of due diligence and competency assessment of all individuals whose assignments bring them in contact with patients or employees. Competency extends beyond technical skills to an individual's criminal and substance abuse history. This approach ensures uniform compliance with Joint Commission standards pertaining to human resource management. TOP
	Whom do I contact for more information?
	We have a list of contacts available. You may also download an information packet. The file is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader software, downloadable free from www.adobe.com NOTE: The El Centro College Health/Legal and Continuing/Workforce Education Division reserves the right to make changes in program enrollment capacity. Program guidelines are subject to change. Students are advised to obtain the latest program information from the Health Occupations Admissions Office (Room A-140).
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	Last updated May 12, 2003