A learning resource for novice labor and delivery nurses in obstetrical operating rooms

Abstract

Background: Registered nurses working in the Case Room at the Janeway Children’s hospital have a unique scope of practice that includes both labor and delivery nursing and Operating Room nursing. The orientation program for the Case Room includes extensive theoretical and practical teaching relating to vaginal childbirth but the resources to support novice nurses’ knowledge development of surgical deliveries, known as Cesarean sections, is limited. As approximately one third of childbirth in Canada is via Cesarean section, a learning resource for the Janeway Case Room’s Operating Room that is specific to Cesarean sections can help enhance the knowledge and skills of novice labor and delivery nurses, and ultimately, promote enhanced maternal and fetal outcomes. Purpose: To develop a resource manual for novice labor and delivery nurses to support knowledge uptake and skill development in the Case Room Operating Rooms for nursing care of patients undergoing Cesarean section. Methods: I completed a literature review, consultations with local key stakeholders, and an environmental scan. These methods were integral to determine if there was a need for a learning resource specific to Cesarean sections, identify content for the resource, as well as potential effective modes of delivery. Results: The results of the literature review, consultations, and environmental scan assisted with content development of the learning resource, as well as the most appropriate mode of delivery. The evidence supported a need for a learning resource that was both specific to Cesarean sections and to the Janeway Case Room setting. Content of the educational resource includes roles and responsibilities of the Operating Room nurse, regulations for the Operating Room, instruments specific to Cesarean sections, a review of appropriate anesthesia for Cesarean sections, a timeline for typical Cesarean sections as well as emergency preparedness. The chosen mode of delivery is a hard copy of a resource manual that can also be available online in the future. Conclusion: A learning resource for the Janeway Case Room Operating Room specific to Cesarean sections is expected to enhance the understanding of nursing care for novice labor and delivery nurses by supporting their theoretical knowledge uptake, skill development, and confidence. It is further anticipated that implementation of the learning resource will positively contribute to enhanced maternal and fetal outcomes before, during, and after Cesarean sections.