Commitment
 
The SJMMC OR Fellowship is committed to developing nurses who will provide quality patient care for surgical patients. This commitment is evident by the time and resources invested in the fellowship program.

Selection for the program requires a commitment from the individual. Orientees must be committed to learning how to use current and new equipment, to understanding evolving technology and procedures, and to applying their knowledge and skills in the OR. Orientees must be strong patient advocates. Orientees must demonstrate the abilities to anticipate, to prioritize and to follow through with appropriate patient care.

The OR Fellowship is a program lasting approximately 8-9 months. It begins with didactic classes, during which orientees learn the fundamental building blocks of perioperative nursing. Orientees spend time scrubbing and circulating, both with a designated preceptor. During the majority of the orientation experience, orientees are paired with preceptors across the specialty areas of the OR.

The OR Fellowship culminates with a mentored assignment, which allows for the emerging independence of the orientees before on-call responsibilities are assumed. During the mentored assignment, orientees begin functioning independently while having a designated resource nurse readily available. Upon graduation, the orientees are placed into a working role within the OR and assume call responsibilities.

Camaraderie and Support

The OR Fellowship offers group conferences as a means of gathering and assimilating new information within a friendly and supportive environment. During these conferences, orientees are encouraged to share their perceptions and experiences with their fellow orientees. Group members are expected to communicate effectively and to treat everyone with respect and patience.