Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing Program (Postgraduate) (S414)

2022-20232023-2024
  • Program Name:
    Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing
  • Code: S414
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Duration:
    1 semester
  • Centre:
  • School: Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing
  • Location: Waterfront Campus
  • Starting Months: January, May, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $2,310.00 *
  • Experiential Learning:

    Clinical Placement

  • Spring 2023 Delivery:
    Semester 1: Hybrid

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Leadership Claims

Logo for the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC)

Preparing Registered Nurses to work in the operating room for over 40 years.

George Brown offers the only full-time 14-week Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) approved course in Ontario.

Program Overview

Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing prepares the Registered Nurse with the theoretical and technical skills required to work as an operating room nurse. This program includes a theory and clinical practice component. 

Full Description

Registered Nurse - Operating Room Perioperative Nursing is an ORNAC approved (2021) accredited postgraduate program that utilizes current perioperative nursing research and strictly adheres to the ORNAC Standards of Practice. The program prepares the Registered Nurse to practice at the beginner level in the perioperative setting. Students will learn operating room principles and practice considerations for all surgical specialties. This includes the study of relevant anatomy, surgical modalities, surgical instrumentation, and the nursing process of caring for perioperative patients. Simulation Lab practice consolidates the development of the scrub and circulating nurse roles. Each student will complete a clinical practicum in an operating room with an emphasis on both roles in various surgical specialties. 

Course Delivery 

This course will be delivered through multimodal learning and will include: 

  • synchronous and asynchronous in class and online theory 
  • lab skills and simulations 
  • a clinical practical experience 

The program is organized in two phases. 

Phase I: Nursing 4045: Nursing Theory and Lab Skills are delivered during the first five weeks of the program. 

This includes: 

  • Current ORNAC standards, principles, and applications 
  • Surgical anatomy and instrumentation 
  • Intensive study of surgical interventions and surgical technologies 
  • Role of the scrub nurse 
  • Role of the circulating nurse 
  • Clinical lab skills delivered at the George Brown College Operating Room Simulation Centre  

Phase II: Nursing 4046: Clinical Practicum includes an eight-week (320-hour) clinical placement. 

Students will consolidate operating room theory and principles at a designated hospital facility. 

This includes: 

  • Development of the scrub nurse role 
  • Development of the circulating nurse role 
  • Exposure to various surgical specialties (i.e. General Surgery, Urology, Gynecology, Plastic Surgery, ENT and Orthopedic Surgery) 
  • Safe and professional practice 

While in the clinical setting, students will participate in online discussions through live video conferences and complete clinical assignments as per the course syllabus. 

Clinical experiences are coordinated by the program coordinator at hospitals in and outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), or at the hospital where the student currently works. Sponsored (hired) students will complete their clinical placements at the hospital where they are employed. 

PLEASE NOTE: Some of our clinical or work placement partners may require students to show proof of full vaccination and PPE. For program specific requirements, please visit this page for the latest updates on COVID-19.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Practice in a professional manner, within the legislated, ethical frameworks and exhibit cultural sensitivity in diverse clinical settings.
  2. Develop and sustain therapeutic relationships with surgical clients and their families.
  3. Communicate effectively with surgical clients, health-care team members and others.
  4. Participate effectively as a team member to support surgical clients’ achievement of their expected outcome.
  5. Integrate theory, principles and concepts into competent surgical nursing practice.
  6. Complete health assessments in a holistic, comprehensive and analytical manner.
  7. Prioritize and organize nursing health care.
  8. Implement and evaluate nursing interventions competently.
  9. Use a variety of technological tools to support surgical clients’ achievement of their expected health outcomes.
  10. Apply principles of teaching-learning to promote surgical clients’ health and wellness.
  11. Practice according to the Standards of Practice of Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada, the College of Nurses of Ontario and The Canadian Nurses’ Association.
  12. Emphasize sustainable practices minimizing the environmental footprint consistent with the highest standards of practice in the perioperative setting.

Courses

Required Courses

CodeCourse Name
NURS 4045Operating Room Nursing – Theory and Labs
NURS 4046Operating Room Nursing – Practicum

Note: Due to ongoing program improvements, courses are subject to change without notice.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Educational Pathways

Students who complete this Postgraduate Registered Nurse certificate program are eligible to submit the Course Curriculum Outline from the year the program was taken. Students may apply for a transfer credit toward the Post-Diploma B.Sc.N. program at Toronto Metropolitan University.

For further information, see the Transfer Guide.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$2,310.00 *

Additional Costs

*Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for one semester of the program starting in Fall 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and at later dates.

Financial Assistance

RNs registered to practice in Ontario and employed in a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) priority area may be eligible for a Nursing Education Initiative (NEI) grant to support their education and professional development. To learn more about this program, visit rnao.ca/education-funding/nei.

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

  • RN, Certificate of Competence, College of Nurses of Ontario without practice restrictions
  • BCLS (Heart and Stroke Foundation), HCP Level
  • current resumé
  • interview by telephone
  • recommended two years of surgical nursing experience in the hospital setting. No operating-room experience is necessary

This program is open to both non-sponsored (independent) and sponsored student applicants.

 

Independent Student:

  • independent application and tuition fees
  • not hired by a clinical agency
  • a clinical placement is arranged at an affiliate hospital by the program coordinator
  • must complete the pre-placement health form requirements and VSS upon program acceptance

Sponsored Student:

  • hired by the clinical agency (prior to) applying to the program
  • program fees may or may not be covered based on hiring contract details from the clinical agency
  • clinical placement is completed at the hospital student is employed

 

If you would like more information about sponsorship to this program and how to meet the admission requirements please contact nursing@georgebrown.ca.

 

This program is open to domestic applicants only.

 

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.

Special Requirements

Pre-placement Health Form

  • Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet all the mandatory pre-placement health requirements for the program. It may take up to four months to complete all the requirements.
  • All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
  • For further details and to download the mandatory pre-placement health form, go to the Pre-placement website.

Students must submit proof of a satisfactory medical examination before entering field placement. Students who are unable to provide a clear medical examination result to the college will not be able to start their field placement and therefore will be unable to complete the program.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check

  • In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
  • The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
  • Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
  • Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
  • Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
  • The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website.

How to Apply

Domestic students can apply through Ontario Colleges.

Please note: Due to the limited number of clinical placements available, this program has a limited number of seats open to applicants lacking specific clinical experience. Please contact nursing@georgebrown.ca for more details before applying.

Student Success

Mathumesa Muhunthan, 2018 Graduate

"The Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing program provided me with the theory and skills in order to provide safe and effective patient care in a surgical setting. By practicing each new skill in the Simulation Centre, I was able to add on to my skill set and feel confident entering my 8-week clinical placement. We were given the knowledge and hands-on skills required in order to work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, RNFAs and other healthcare professionals in a fast-paced environment."

Kwesi Asamoah, 2018 Graduate

"The combination of in-class theory work and reinforcement in the skills lab creates an atmosphere where all aspiring perioperative nurses can succeed. The Perioperative RN program at George Brown College has had an invaluable impact on my nursing career."

Sabrina Sudhai, 2018 Graduate

“Having the access to apply what you’ve learned in theory to labs and clinical truly facilitated my learning in the clinical setting. I was able to become more confident in my skills in the Operating Room, which allowed me to become a competent Registered Nurse.”

Contact Us

Contact Chelsea Ovsonka at the George Brown College Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing at 416-415-5000, ext. 2349 or email Chelsea.Ovsonka@georgebrown.ca for more information.

For general information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing Program (Postgraduate) (S414)

2022-20232023-2024
  • Program Name:
    Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing
  • Code: S414
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Duration:
    16 weeks (1 semester)
  • Centre:
  • School: Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing
  • Location: Waterfront Campus
  • Starting Months: January, May, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $2,366.00 *
  • Experiential Learning:

    Clinical Placement

  • Spring 2022 Delivery:
    Semester 1: Hybrid

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Leadership Claims

Logo for the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC)

Preparing Registered Nurses to work in the operating room for over 40 years. 

George Brown offers the only full-time 14-week Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) approved course in Ontario. 

Program Overview

Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing teaches the Registered Nurse how to work as an operating room nurse through two unique phases of theory and clinical practice.

Full Description

This ORNAC-approved (2017) postgraduate program utilizes current perioperative nursing research and strictly adheres to ORNAC Standards of Practice, preparing the Registered Nurse to function at the beginner level as a team member in the perioperative setting. It includes intensive study of relevant anatomy and surgical interventions related to the nursing process and the perioperative patient. Simulation Lab practice consolidates the development of the "scrub" and "circulating" roles.

There are 2 modes of delivery – in-class and online.

The program is organized into two phases.

Phase I Nursing 4045 consists of theory content and skills development, including:

  • current ORNAC standards, principles and application
  • surgical anatomy
  • intensive study of surgical interventions and surgical technologies (including indications and complications)
  • role of the circulating nurse
  • role of the scrub nurse
  • clinical lab skills, completed in a state-of-the-art Simulation Centre at George Brown College

Phase II Nursing 4046 includes a 9- to 14-week clinical placement (variable based on in-class or online mode of delivery).

Students are exposed to several services (e.g. General Surgery, Urology, Gynecology, Plastics, ENT and Orthopedics). While in the clinical settings, learners will participate in online discussions, live video conferences and submit assignments through an online learning management system (Blackboard). Clinical experiences are scheduled in hospital operating rooms both within and outside of the Greater Toronto Area, or settings in which the learner is working.

There are two modes of hybrid delivery: in-class/hybrid and online hybrid.

In-Class/Hybrid: Students should have some registered nursing and surgical nursing experience. Phase 1 is completed at George Brown College where Theory and 75 Simulation Lab hours are completed over five weeks full-time at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences, located at the Waterfront Campus. This is followed by Phase 2, a 9-week full-time clinical placement.

Online/Hybrid: Students are Registered Nurses that are new hires sponsored within their own hospital's perioperative setting or have some previous experience within the perioperative area. Phase 1 (the first 12 days) is partially completed at George Brown College. This includes the basic Lab Skills and the foundational Theory component. Test 1 is completed during this time. The remaining Phase 1 and Phase 2 are completed concurrently while the student returns to their own hospital to start their required clinical placement hours.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of our clinical or work placement partners may require students to show proof of full vaccination. As such, students who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not be able to complete the required field placement component of their program in the regularly scheduled time frame. Please visit this page for the latest updates on COVID-19.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Practise in a professional manner, within the legislated, ethical frameworks and exhibit cultural sensitivity in diverse clinical settings.
  2. Develop and sustain therapeutic relationships with surgical clients and their families.
  3. Communicate effectively with surgical clients, health care team members and others.
  4. Participate effectively as a team member to support surgical clients’ achievement of their expected outcome.
  5. Integrate theory, principles and concepts into competent surgical nursing practice.
  6. Complete health assessments in a holistic, comprehensive and analytical manner.
  7. Prioritize and organize nursing health care.
  8. Implement and evaluate nursing interventions competently.
  9. Use a variety of technological tools to support surgical clients’ achievement of their expected health outcomes.
  10. Apply principles of teaching-learning to promote surgical clients’ health and wellness.
  11. Practise according to the Standards of Practice of Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada, the College of Nurses of Ontario and The Canadian Nurses’ Association.
  12. Emphasize sustainable practices minimizing the environmental footprint consistent with the highest standards of practice in the perioperative setting.

Courses

Required Courses

CodeCourse Name
NURS 4045Operating Room Nursing – Theory and Labs
NURS 4046Operating Room Nursing – Practicum

Note: Due to ongoing program improvements, courses are subject to change without notice.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Future Study Options

Students who complete this Post-R.N. certificate program are eligible to submit the Course Curriculum Outline from the year the program was taken. Students may apply for a transfer credit toward the Post-Diploma B.Sc.N. program at Toronto Metropolitan University.

For further information, see the Transfer Guide.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$2,366.00 *

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for one semester of the program starting in Fall 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and at later dates.

Financial Assistance

RNs registered to practice in Ontario and employed in a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) priority area may be eligible for a Nursing Education Initiative (NEI) grant to support their education and professional development. To learn more about this program, visit rnao.ca/education-funding/nei.

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

  • RN, Certificate of Competence, College of Nurses of Ontario without practice restrictions
  • BCLS (Heart and Stroke Foundation), HCP Level
  • interview – all applicants are interviewed by telephone or in person
  • resumé
  • Preferably 2 years surgical nursing experience in the hospital setting. No operating room experience necessary.

Non-sponsored applicants must meet all mandatory pre-placement health requirements for this program.

If you would like more information about sponsorship to this program and how to meet the admission requirements please contact nursing@georgebrown.ca.

This program is open to domestic applicants only.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.

Special Requirements

Pre-placement Health Form

  • Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet all the mandatory pre-placement health requirements for the program. It may take up to four months to complete all the requirements.
  • All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
  • For further details and to download the mandatory pre-placement health form, go to the pre-placement website
  • Students must submit proof of a satisfactory medical examination before entering field placement. Students who are unable to provide a clear medical examination result to the college will not be able to start their field placement and therefore will be unable to complete the program.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check

  • In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
  • The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
  • Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
  • Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
  • Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
  • The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the pre-placement website

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.

Please note: Due to the limited number of clinical placements available, this program has a limited number of seats open to applicants lacking specific clinical experience. Please contact nursing@georgebrown.ca for more details before applying.

Student Success

Mathumesa Muhunthan, 2018 Graduate

"The Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing program provided me with the theory and skills in order to provide safe and effective patient care in a surgical setting. By practicing each new skill in the Simulation Centre, I was able to add on to my skill set and feel confident entering my 8-week clinical placement. We were given the knowledge and hands-on skills required in order to work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, RNFAs and other healthcare professionals in a fast-paced environment."

Kwesi Asamoah, 2018 Graduate

"The combination of in-class theory work and reinforcement in the skills lab creates an atmosphere where all aspiring perioperative nurses can succeed. The Perioperative RN program at George Brown College has had an invaluable impact on my nursing career."

Sabrina Sudhai, 2018 Graduate

“Having the access to apply what you’ve learned in theory to labs and clinical truly facilitated my learning in the clinical setting. I was able to become more confident in my skills in the Operating Room, which allowed me to become a competent Registered Nurse.”

Contact Us

Contact Chelsea Ovsonka at the George Brown College Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing at 416-415-5000, ext. 2349 or email Chelsea.Ovsonka@georgebrown.ca for more information. For general information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing Program (Postgraduate) (S414)

2022-20232023-2024
  • Program Name:
    Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing
  • Code: S414
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Duration:
    16 weeks (1 semester)
  • Centre:
  • School: Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing
  • Location: Waterfront Campus
  • Starting Months: January, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $2,326.00 *
  • Experiential Learning:

    Clinical Placement

  • Fall 2020 Delivery Method:
    Online (on-campus activities will resume as soon as it is safe to do so)

Compare up to 3 programs

Overview

Leadership Claims

Preparing Registered Nurses to work in operating rooms for over 40 years.

George Brown offers the only full-time 14-week Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) approved course in Ontario.

Program Overview

Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing teaches the Registered Nurse how to work as an operating room nurse through two unique phases of theory and clinical practice.

Full Description

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the theoretical components of this program will be delivered online starting in October 2020. The lab skills component of this program will be delivered in clinical.

PLEASE NOTE: In response to this evolving situation, the delivery, learning activities and evaluation methods may be further modified mid-semester.

Learners will require access to high-speed internet, a computer with a built-in or external web camera, a microphone and Google Chrome or Firefox as a web browser for online learning.

This ORNAC-approved (2017) postgraduate program utilizes current perioperative nursing research and strictly adheres to ORNAC Standards of Practice, preparing the Registered Nurse to function at the beginner level as a team member in the perioperative setting. It includes intensive study of relevant anatomy and surgical interventions related to the nursing process and the perioperative patient. Simulation Lab practice consolidates the development of the "scrub" and "circulating" roles.

There are 2 modes of delivery – in-class and online.

The program is organized into two phases.

Phase I Nursing 4045 consists of theory content and skills development, including:

  • current ORNAC standards, principles and application
  • surgical anatomy
  • intensive study of surgical interventions and surgical technologies (including indications and complications)
  • role of the circulating nurse
  • role of the scrub nurse
  • clinical lab skills, completed in a state-of-the-art Simulation Centre at George Brown College

Phase II Nursing 4046 includes a 9 to 14 week clinical placement (variable based on in-class or online mode of delivery).

Students are exposed to several services (e.g. General Surgery, Urology, Gynecology, Plastics, ENT and Orthopedics). While in the clinical settings, learners will participate in online discussions, live video conferences and submit assignments through an online learning management system (Blackboard). Clinical experiences are scheduled in hospital operating rooms both within and outside of the Greater Toronto Area, or settings in which the learner is working.

There are two modes of hybrid delivery: inclass/hybrid and online hybrid.

In-Class/Hybrid: Students should have some registered nursing and surgical nursing experience. Phase 1 is completed at George Brown College where Theory and 75 Simulation Lab hours are completed over five weeks full-time at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences, located at the Waterfront Campus. This is followed by Phase 2, a 9-week full-time clinical placement.

Online/Hybrid: Students are Registered Nurses that are new hires sponsored within their own hospital's perioperative setting or have some previous experience within the perioperative area. Phase 1 (the first 12 days) is partially completed at George Brown College. This includes the basic Lab Skills and the foundational Theory component. Test 1 is completed during this time. The remaining Phase 1 and Phase 2 are completed concurrently while the student returns to their own hospital to start their required clinical placement hours.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Practice in a professional manner, within the legislated, ethical frameworks and exhibit cultural sensitivity in diverse clinical settings.
  2. Develop and sustain therapeutic relationships with surgical clients and their families.
  3. Communicate effectively with surgical clients, health care team members and others.
  4. Participate effectively as a team member to support surgical clients’ achievement of their expected outcome.
  5. Integrate theory, principles and concepts into competent surgical nursing practice.
  6. Complete health assessments in a holistic, comprehensive and analytical manner.
  7. Prioritize and organize nursing health care.
  8. Implement and evaluate nursing interventions competently.
  9. Use a variety of technological tools to support surgical clients’ achievement of their expected health outcomes.
  10. Apply principles of teaching-learning to promote surgical clients’ health and wellness.
  11. Practice according to the Standards of Practice of Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada, the College of Nurses of Ontario and The Canadian Nurses’ Association.
  12. Emphasize sustainable practices minimizing the environmental footprint consistent with the highest standards of practice in the perioperative setting.

Courses

Required Courses

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
NURS4045Operating Room Nursing – Theory and Labs
NURS4046Operating Room Nursing – Practicum

Note: Due to ongoing program improvements, courses are subject to change without notice.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Future Study Options

Students who complete this Post-R.N. certificate program are eligible to submit the Course Curriculum Outline from the year the program was taken. Students may apply for a transfer credit toward the Post-Diploma B.Sc.N. program at Ryerson University.

For further information, see georgebrown.ca/transferguide

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$2,326.00 *

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for one semester of the program starting in Fall 2019. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2020 and at later dates.

Financial Assistance

RNs registered to practice in Ontario and employed in a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) priority area may be eligible for a Nursing Education Initiative (NEI) grant to support their education and professional development. To learn more about this program, visit rnao.ca/education-funding/nei.

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

  • RN, Certificate of Competence, College of Nurses of Ontario without practice restrictions
  • BCLS (Heart and Stroke Foundation), HCP Level
  • lnterview - All applicants are interviewed by telephone or in person.
  • Resumé
  • Preferably 2 years surgical nursing experience in the hospital setting. No operating room experience necessary.

Only sponsored applicants are eligible to apply to this program.

If you would like more information about sponsorship to this program and how to meet the admission requirements please contact nursing@georgebrown.ca.

This program is open to domestic applicants only.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

Special Requirements

Pre-placement Health Form

  • Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet all the mandatory pre-placement health requirements for the program. It may take up to four months to complete all the requirements.
  • All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
  • For further details and to download the mandatory pre-placement health form, go to the pre-placement website at georgebrown.ca/preplacement
  • Students must submit proof of a satisfactory medical examination before entering field placement. Students who are unable to provide a clear medical examination result to the college will not be able to start their field placement and therefore will be unable to complete the program.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check

  • In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
  • The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
  • Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
  • Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
  • Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
  • The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website at georgebrown.ca/preplacement

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges

Please note: Due to the limited number of clinical placements available, this program has a limited number of seats open to applicants lacking specific clinical experience. Please contact nursing@georgebrown.ca for more details before applying.

Student Success

Mathumesa Muhunthan, 2018 Graduate

"The Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing program provided me with the theory and skills in order to provide safe and effective patient care in a surgical setting. By practicing each new skill in the Simulation Centre, I was able to add on to my skill set and feel confident entering my 8-week clinical placement. We were given the knowledge and hands-on skills required in order to work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, RNFAs and other healthcare professionals in a fast-paced environment."

Kwesi Asamoah, 2018 Graduate

"The combination of in-class theory work and reinforcement in the skills lab creates an atmosphere where all aspiring perioperative nurses can succeed. The Perioperative RN program at George Brown College has had an invaluable impact on my nursing career."

Sabrina Sudhai, 2018 Graduate

“Having the access to apply what you’ve learned in theory to labs and clinical truly facilitated my learning in the clinical setting. I was able to become more confident in my skills in the Operating Room, which allowed me to become a competent Registered Nurse.”

Contact Us

Contact Chelsea Durocher at the George Brown College Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursingat 416-415-5000, ext. 2349 or email Chelsea.Durocher@georgebrown.ca for more information.

For general information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing Program (Postgraduate) (S414)

2022-20232023-2024
  • Program Name:
    Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing
  • Code: S414
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Duration:
    16 weeks (1 semester)
  • Centre:
  • School: Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursing
  • Location: Waterfront Campus
  • Starting Months: January, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $2,453.00 *
  • Experiential Learning:
    Clinical Placement

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Overview

Leadership Claims

Preparing Registered Nurses to work in an operating room for over 40 years.

George Brown offers the only full-time 14-week Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) approved course in Ontario.

Program Overview

Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing teaches the Registered Nurse how to work as an operating room nurse through two unique phases of theory and clinical practice.

Full Description

This ORNAC-approved (2017) postgraduate program utilizes current perioperative nursing research and strictly adheres to ORNAC Standards of Practice, preparing the Registered Nurse to function at the beginner level as a team member in the perioperative setting. It includes intensive study of relevant anatomy and surgical interventions related to the nursing process and the perioperative patient. Simulation Lab practice consolidates the development of the "scrub" and "circulating" roles.

There are 2 modes of delivery – in-class and online.

 

In-class: Students should have some registered nursing and surgical nursing experience. Phase 1 is completed at George Brown College where Theory and 75 Simulation Lab hours are completed over six weeks full-time at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences, located at the Waterfront Campus. This is followed by Phase 2, an eight-week full-time clinical placement. NOTE: There is a plan to convert the program delivery to Hybrid in Fall 2019. Applicants will be notified if this change is implemented.

Online: Students are Registered Nurses that are new hires sponsored within their own hospital's perioperative setting or have some previous experience within the perioperative area. Phase 1 (the first 12 days) is partially completed at George Brown College. This includes the basic Lab Skills and the foundational Theory component. Test 1 is completed during this time. The remaining Phase 1 and Phase 2 are completed concurrently while the student returns to their own hospital to start their required clinical placement hours.

The program is organized into two phases.

Phase I Nursing 4045 consists of theory content and skills development, including:

  • current ORNAC standards, principles and application
  • surgical anatomy
  • intensive study of surgical interventions and surgical technologies (including indications and complications)
  • role of the circulating nurse
  • role of the scrub nurse
  • clinical lab skills, completed in a state-of-the-art Simulation Centre at George Brown College

Phase II Nursing 4046 includes an 8 to 14 week clinical placement (variable based on in-class or online mode of delivery).

In-class: 8 weeks full-time

Online: A minimum of 3 days per week in an operating room setting will be required. Learners must have passed Test 1 from Phase I in order to move to Phase II.

Students are exposed to several services (e.g. General Surgery, Urology, Gynecology, Plastics, ENT and Orthopedics). While in the clinical settings, learners will participate in online discussions, live video conferences and submit assignments through an online learning management system (Blackboard). Clinical experiences are scheduled in hospital operating rooms both within and outside of the Greater Toronto Area, or settings in which the learner is working.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Practice in a professional manner, within the legislated, ethical frameworks and exhibit cultural sensitivity in diverse clinical settings.
  2. Develop and sustain therapeutic relationships with surgical clients and their families.
  3. Communicate effectively with surgical clients, health care team members and others.
  4. Participate effectively as a team member to support surgical clients’ achievement of their expected outcome.
  5. Integrate theory, principles and concepts into competent surgical nursing practice.
  6. Complete health assessments in a holistic, comprehensive and analytical manner.
  7. Prioritize and organize nursing health care.
  8. Implement and evaluate nursing interventions competently.
  9. Use a variety of technological tools to support surgical clients’ achievement of their expected health outcomes.
  10. Apply principles of teaching-learning to promote surgical clients’ health and wellness.
  11. Practice according to the Standards of Practice of Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada, the College of Nurses of Ontario and The Canadian Nurses’ Association.
  12. Emphasize sustainable practices minimizing the environmental footprint consistent with the highest standards of practice in the perioperative setting.

Courses

Required Courses

semester courses
CodeCourse Name
NURS4045Operating Room Nursing – Theory and Labs
NURS4046Operating Room Nursing – Practicum

Note: Due to ongoing program improvements, courses are subject to change without notice.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Future Study Options

Students who complete this Post-R.N. certificate program are eligible to submit the Course Curriculum Outline from the year the program was taken. Students may apply for a transfer credit toward the Post-Diploma B.Sc.N. program at Ryerson University.

For further information, see georgebrown.ca/transferguide

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Tuition

$2,453.00 *

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for one semester of the program starting in Fall 2018. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2019 and at later dates.

Financial Assistance

Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for tuition reimbursement through an Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care initiative implemented through the RNAO.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

Admission Requirements

  • RN, Certificate of Competence, College of Nurses of Ontario without practice restrictions
  • BCLS (Heart and Stroke Foundation), HCP Level
  • lnterview - All applicants are interviewed by telephone or in person.
  • Resumé
  • Preferably 2 years surgical nursing experience in the hospital setting. No operating room experience necessary.

If taking this program as a non-sponsored student (independent student), students must meet all the mandatory pre-placement health requirements for this program.

This program is open to domestic applicants only.

Course Exemptions

College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

Special Requirements

Pre-placement Health Form

  • Upon confirmation of acceptance into this program, students must meet all the mandatory pre-placement health requirements for the program. It may take up to four months to complete all the requirements.
  • All costs, service fees and fines associated with the overall health requirements are the responsibility of the student.
  • For further details and to download the mandatory pre-placement health form, go to the pre-placement website at georgebrown.ca/preplacement
  • Students must submit proof of a satisfactory medical examination before entering field placement. Students who are unable to provide a clear medical examination result to the college will not be able to start their field placement and therefore will be unable to complete the program.

Police Vulnerable Sector Check

  • In compliance with the requirements of our placement partners, all students in this program are required to have a police vulnerable sector check completed, and this check must be renewed annually before entering into field or clinical placement.
  • The police vulnerable sector check process typically takes two to three months, but under some circumstances can take four to eight months. This is required to protect the clientele of our placement partner agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
  • Students are responsible for ensuring that the police vulnerable sector check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).”
  • Students are required to keep the original copy of their police vulnerable sector check.
  • Students who are unable to provide a “clear” police vulnerable sector check may not be able to start their field or clinical placement and therefore may be unable to complete the program. Students who are not eligible to attend their practice placement due to a “not clear” status will jeopardize their progress in the program.
  • Failure to meet the requirements for field placement will prevent students from completing the program and/or securing employment.
  • The fees for the police record check vary and must be paid by the student. For more information, please visit the Pre-placement website at georgebrown.ca/preplacement

How to Apply

Please note: Due to the limited number of clinical placements available, this program has a limited number of seats open to applicants lacking specific clinical experience. Please contact nursing@georgebrown.ca for more details before applying.

Student Success

Mathumesa Muhunthan, 2018 Graduate

"The Registered Nurse – Operating Room Perioperative Nursing program provided me with the theory and skills in order to provide safe and effective patient care in a surgical setting. By practicing each new skill in the Simulation Centre, I was able to add on to my skill set and feel confident entering my 8-week clinical placement. We were given the knowledge and hands-on skills required in order to work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, RNFAs and other healthcare professionals in a fast-paced environment."

Kwesi Asamoah, 2018 Graduate

"The combination of in-class theory work and reinforcement in the skills lab creates an atmosphere where all aspiring perioperative nurses can succeed. The Perioperative RN program at George Brown College has had an invaluable impact on my nursing career."

Sabrina Sudhai, 2018 Graduate

“Having the access to apply what you’ve learned in theory to labs and clinical truly facilitated my learning in the clinical setting. I was able to become more confident in my skills in the Operating Room, which allowed me to become a competent Registered Nurse.”

Contact Us

Contact Chelsea Durocher at the George Brown College Sally Horsfall Eaton School of Nursingat 416-415-5000, ext. 2349 or email Chelsea.Durocher@georgebrown.ca for more information.

For general information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

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