Authors: Helen C. Fong, DNP, RN, CPAN, PHN, FASPAN, Janet L. Sohal, DNP, RN, NEA-BC,Jacque A. Crosson, DNP, RN, CPAN, FASPAN, Cristina Hendrix, DNS, GNP-BC, FAAN
Purpose:  The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop a competency-based orientation (CBO) protocol based on the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses Nursing Standards and CBO for perianesthesia nurses.
Design:  Feasibility study with pre–post survey design.
Methods:  A CBO protocol that included nursing care workflows for 11 common surgical cases was developed and used in orienting newly hired perianesthesia nurses. Newly hired nurses completed a pre–post self-assessment on their level of competency in caring for surgical patients.
Findings:  Using Wilcoxon signed rank test, improved competency was found in all service areas except for pediatric care.
Conclusions:  Nursing competency in the perianesthesia area is critical in fulfilling one's role as a nurse. A robust CBO protocol for the perianesthesia nurse is important when integrating an employee into the organization and preparing the nurse for success.