Nurses employed in operating theaters are advocating for specialized training in preoperative nursing to ensure optimal patient care. Preoperative nursing encompasses a range of responsibilities, including health assessment, emotional preparation, and ensuring readiness for surgery.
Leila Naluyima, a nursing officer at the Uganda Cancer Institute and charge nurse at the operating theater, has highlighted the absence of advanced training opportunities for nurses following their basic education. Speaking at the annual surgical scientific conference and exhibition, Naluyima stressed the intricate nature of operating theaters, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced training to empower nurses to perform their duties effectively.
Naluyima emphasized the significance of equipping theater nurses with advanced knowledge and skills tailored to their practice. Without adequate training, nurses may lack the proficiency needed to handle various tasks during surgeries, potentially compromising patient care. She also advocated for training in surgical counts, essential for ensuring patient safety during procedures.
Calling upon governmental bodies, including the National Council for Higher Education and the Ministry of Health, as well as stakeholders in nursing education, Naluyima urged prioritization of specialty training for nurses in surgical fields, alongside their foundational education.
Professor Frank Asiimwe, outgoing president of the Association of Surgeons of Uganda, echoed the importance of specialized training for nurses. He acknowledged challenges faced in retaining trained nurses, as they may be reassigned to other departments without adequate notice, disrupting continuity of care.
Asiimwe emphasized the need for careful consideration and orientation when implementing such changes, particularly in departments like transplant services, where trained nurses are crucial for patient outcomes.