The experience of being an older perioperative nurse

AORN Journal,  Oct, 2003  by Susan Letvak

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Nurse managers have to ensure that the working environment is comfortable and safe. Several older nurses in this study spoke of having weaker bladders, but not being allowed to take timely breaks. Additionally, the nurses spoke of heavier equipment and frequent falls on wet or slippery floors. Quality lifting equipment must be readily available, and inservice programs should be provided frequently regarding their use. Tray weight limits must be adhered to strictly. Nonslip mats should be used wherever possible. Older nurses should be asked about their safety concerns. All nurses need to be aware that needle sticks are occupational injuries and not just part of the job.

Additionally, nurse managers have the responsibility of fostering positive relationships between nurses and surgical technologists, especially when intergenerational conflict may exist. Research has demonstrated that supportive work environments are an important predictor of job satisfaction as well as quality patient care. (27) Although intergenerational conflict has been discussed in the nursing literature and suggestions for improving relationships have been made, (28-30) research is needed on specific interventions that will enhance communication and working relations among different age groups.

Findings from this study are important for nurse educators. Many of the older nurses in this study spoke of the loss of exposure to the OR with the demise of the diploma program. Indeed, the shortage of perioperative nurses can, in part, be attributed to a decrease in perioperative content in nursing program curricula. (31,32) One study found that although 77% of ORs in a specific geographical area had vacancies, 83% of area nursing schools did not offer preceptorships or clinical internships in perioperative settings. (33) One researcher suggested a precepted perioperative elective course for students who express an interest in perioperative nursing. (31) Another group of researchers suggested increased collaboration with colleges and universities to increase student interest and involvement in the OR. (32) Despite concerns by participants in this study about the number of students in the OR, it is clear that the only way to recruit more nurses is to increase exposure to the OR.

Most importantly, this study has significant implications for the profession of nursing. A critical shortage of nurses exists, especially for experienced specialty nurses, such as perioperative nurses. Increased dependency on travel nurses is expensive financially and adversely affects staff member morale Additionally, as the shortage intensifies perioperative nurses are concerned that nurses will be replaced even more by nonprofessional staff members. (34) Older nurses, such as the ones in this study, are vital to the stability of the health care system. They are physically capable of meeting the demands of their jobs and are experts in what they do.

Although many nurses leave the profession in their early 50s, the nurses in this study hope to work into their 60s. Although dissatisfied nurses may have left the profession at younger ages, research is needed to identify why older nurses have decided to continue working. Research is needed on alternative staffing models to reduce call and provide flexible scheduling for an aging workforce. Additionally, this study was based on a sample of perioperative nurses from the southeastern United States. Further research is needed about older perioperative nurses from other geographical areas, as well as other racial and cultural groups.