By Nicole Young, Vitals contributor
Healthcare is often viewed as the ultimate team sport where nurses are valued players. A winning approach supports both patients and doctors, and it must include the best training.
When an experienced operating room nurse explains to a new graduate how to handle a real-world scenario and then gives them the chance to practice that knowledge, the result is a special confidence that gets carried into patient care. Sutter Health’s nurse educators see firsthand how the magic happens.
Seasoned nurses pass down what they know to the rookies who learn the latest standards and techniques, and everyone is reenergized by refreshing their skills.
As part of Sutter’s comprehensive, hands-on PeriOp 101 training program, designed to enhance the quality of surgical care, registered nurse educator Colleen Fiammengo gathers her students inside Foothill Surgery Center in Santa Barbara, Calif.. She shows them how to carefully move a person without injuring them, how to manage patient allergies and many other time-tested tricks like how to remove a patient’s ring without having to cut or damage it in any way.
Sutter Health Educator Colleen Fiammengo shows how to remove a patient’s ring.
This is the first group of Sansum Clinic employees participating in the PeriOp 101 program, which was originally designed to prepare new nurses for careers in surgery. Sansum Clinic is a 103-year-old nonprofit outpatient healthcare organization which in early 2024 became Sutter’s Greater Central Coast.
“The goal of this education is to equip our staff with an extensive knowledge base and a range of skills to succeed in the operating room,” confirms David Clibrey, director of nursing for Sansum Clinic’s surgery centers. “It demonstrates our commitment to investing in our team’s development and shows that we keep pace with the best practices in our field.”
While Sansum has a highly trained surgical team to care for patients, its recent nursing graduates appreciated the hands-on coursework. The more accomplished nurses welcomed the update.
“This program makes learning much easier,” shared Jennifer Rios, a registered nurse. “It’s helped me to understand why things are done a certain way in the OR.”
Clinical Educator Adriene Clark discusses how to properly prepare regions of the body for surgery.
“While I have worked in the operating room for several years, going back to the basics is a great refresher for even the most experienced of nurses,” shares Bevin Leites, operating room nurse manager at Foothill Surgery Center.
Because many nursing programs do not include hands-on training in operating rooms, this course is especially valuable for those new to the profession. Participants complete classroom sessions, are mentored by more experienced team members, and take certification exams.
Foothill Surgery Center registered nurse Patricia Stefek practices placing a catheter.
“Nursing education is the foundation of good patient care,” says Anna Kiger, Sutter’s chief nurse officer. Sutter offers its 15,000 nurses many opportunities for growth and development within the profession.
“We are excited to elevate the level of clinical excellence through these kinds of educational resources available with the help of Sutter,” comments Tom Parra, Sansum Clinic director of Ambulatory Surgery Centers. “It shows their genuine commitment to serve our Central Coast community.”
Numerous nurses gather inside operating room for PeriOp 101 training at Foothill Surgery Center.
Clibrey says the PeriOp 101 Program has been a tremendous asset so far, and he is looking forward to more of his staff members joining the second round of training in the near future.
“I feel fortunate to be part of the program because I know Sansum is going above and beyond to ensure that I am knowledgeable and prepared for my new role,” added Rios.
