Collects patient health data that are relevant to the operative or invasive procedure.
Determines data collection priorities based on the patient’s condition or needs, and the relationship to the proposed intervention
Collects pertinent data using systematic, comprehensive, and evidence- based techniques
Involves the patient, designated support person(s), and health care providers in data-collection process
Reviews the results of diagnostic studies relevant to the patient’s current status and planned operative or invasive procedure
Documents relevant data in a retrievable format
Analyzes the assessment data to determine nursing diagnoses.
Identifies nursing diagnoses that are consistent with the assessment data Sets priorities using nursing diagnoses based on assessment data
Validates nursing diagnoses with the patient, designated support person(s), and health care providers when possible
Documents nursing diagnoses using standardized nursing language in a retrievable format
Identifies expected outcomes that are unique to the patient.
Uses ethical principles to determine expected outcomes that are mutually formulated with the patient, designated support person(s), and health care providers when appropriate
Develops culturally and age-appropriate expected outcomes based on the patient’s present and potential physical capabilities and behavioral patterns
Defines expected outcomes that are attainable with considerations to the human and material resources available to the patient
Identifies measurable criteria to determine outcome attainment Modifies expected outcomes based on patient status
Communicates expected and attained outcomes to health care providers to provide direction for continuity of care
Uses current trends and scientific evidence in the planning process
Designs a plan of care that includes strategies for health promotion and restoration
Collaborates with the patient and designated support person(s), as appropriate, while planning care
Creates a plan of care that supports continuity among providers
Specifies a logical sequence of interventions to attain expected outcomes Identifies human and material resources necessary
Communicates the plan of care to the patient, designated support person(s), and health care providers
Documents the plan of care using standardized language in a retrievable format
Determines that the nursing interventions are consistent with the plan of care
Verifies that nursing interventions reflect the rights and desires of the patient and designated support person(s)
Implements nursing interventions safely and efficiently
Implements the ongoing plan of care in collaboration with the patient, designated support person(s), and health care providers based on the patient’s responses
Anticipates and responds to situational changes
Incorporates new knowledge and strategies to initiate change in nursing care practices if desired outcomes are not achieved
Documents interventions using standardized language in a retrievable for- mat to promote continuity of care
Coordination of Care
Coordinates patient care continually throughout the patient’s perioperative experience.
Delegates tasks and functions according to applicable laws, regulations, and standards, taking into consideration the competency of the assignee
Assists the patient and designated support person(s) with identifying alternative options for care
Health teaching and health promotion
Promotes holistic wellness and a safe environment.
Teaches modifications for activities of daily living
Provides information to patients to reduce high-risk behaviors Advocates for healthy lifestyle choices
Uses teaching strategies that are appropriate to the situation and the patient’s developmental level, cognitive ability, learning needs, readiness, language preference, culture, and beliefs
Alters teaching strategies based on feedback
Seeks specialized dialog appropriate to the patient.
Facilitates communication between health care professionals to enhance patient outcomes
Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attaining outcomes.
Conducts a systematic and ongoing evaluation measuring the effectiveness of the interventions in relation to achieving identifiable outcomes
Monitors the patient’s progress toward achieving outcomes in the time frame identified in the plan
Documents the patient’s progress toward achieving outcomes accurately and consistently using standardized language in a retrievable format
Revises diagnoses, outcomes, and the plan of care, based on ongoing assessment and evaluation
Involves the patient, designated support person(s), and health care providers in the evaluation process whenever possible
Quality of practice
Systematically evaluates the quality and appropriateness of nursing practice.
Participates in ongoing quality improvement activities as appropriate to the individual’s position, education, and practice environment
Collecting data related to the dimensions of performance and quality indicators
Identifying strategies to improve perioperative nursing care or services based on quality indicators as necessary
Taking action to improve perioperative nursing care or services Assessing the effectiveness of the action(s) taken
Initiates changes in perioperative nursing practice through knowledge gained and shared via the quality and performance improvement process
Improves perioperative nursing practice, services, and care through the quality improvement process
Acquires and maintains specialized knowledge and skills in nursing practice
Demonstrates skill proficiency relevant to perioperative nursing practice
Seeks experiences to maintain skills and competency necessary to practice perioperative nursing
Professional practice evaluation
Evaluates his or her practice in context with current professional practice standards, rules, and regulations.
Maintains current knowledge of and adheres to AORN standards, recommended practices, guidelines, and position statements
Seeks evaluative input from peers, colleagues, patients, and patients’ designated support person(s) regarding nursing practice
Identifies goals and develops an action plan for professional development as part of an ongoing evaluation process
Respects diversity in all interactions
Interacts with and contributes to the professional growth of peers, colleagues, and others.
Contributes to a supportive and healthy work environment by using appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication techniques
Builds trust by being approachable, honest, and accountable Acts as a role model for professional behavior
Interacts with team members and others in a respectful and courteous manner
Uses conflict resolution skills to manage difficult behavior, promote positive working relationships, and advocate for patient safety
Collaborates with the patient and designated support person(s) when practicing professional nursing.
Communicates pertinent information relating to patient care to internal and external stakeholders as appropriate
Demonstrates accountability and flexibility when interacting with others Includes the patient and designated support person(s) and health care team
members, as appropriate, in decision making when providing perioperative nursing care
Provides continuity of care when implementing referrals
Delegates tasks and functions according to applicable law, regulation, and standards, taking into consideration the competency of the assignee
Uses ethical principles to determine decisions and actions.
Encourages patient self-advocacy
Delivers care in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner that is sensitive to cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity
Delivers care in a way that pre- serves and protects patient autonomy, dignity, and human rights
Formulates ethical decisions by using available resources
Recognizes own physical and psychological limitations to provide safe, competent patient care
Incorporates research into practice.
Uses the best available research evidence to guide practice Supports nursing practice changes based on research evidence
Seeks new knowledge that is evidence-based through print, web-based, and other sources
Participates in research activities by involvement in one or more of the following: Identifying clinical problems pertinent to perioperative nursing practice / participating in data collection reading, analyzing, critiquing, and interpreting research findings to determine applicability to practice
Considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, efficiency, and the environment, as well as the cost in planning, delivering, and evaluating patient care.
Assigns tasks or delegates care based on knowledge and skills of perioperative team members to meet the needs of the patient and keep him or her free from harm
Assists the patient and designated support person(s) with identifying human and material resources that are available to address perioperative patient needs
Advocates for technical advances in clinical care to increase efficiency or improve outcomes
Promotes the use of electronic information systems to provide perioperative patient care efficiently and safely
Conserves supplies to minimize waste and decrease costs without compromising safety or negatively affecting outcomes