Major: Surgical Diseases Nursing (Cerrahi Hastalıkları Hemşireliği)
Program Overview
A specialized nursing program focused on perioperative care, surgical patient management, and advanced clinical skills for nurses. Combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training to prepare graduates for careers in operating rooms, surgical wards, intensive care units (ICUs), and outpatient surgical centers in Turkey’s healthcare system.
Key Learning Objectives
- Master perioperative nursing principles (preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative care).
- Develop skills in sterile technique, infection control, and surgical instrumentation.
- Learn patient assessment and management for surgical diseases (e.g., trauma, oncology, cardiovascular).
- Gain expertise in wound care, pain management, and postoperative complications.
- Understand surgical technology and minimally invasive procedures.
- Apply evidence-based practice and patient safety standards.
- Explore ethical and legal considerations in surgical nursing.
Core Courses
- Introduction to Surgical Nursing
- Role of the surgical nurse, operating room (OR) environment, and team dynamics.
- Perioperative Nursing
- Preoperative preparation, intraoperative assistance, and postoperative recovery.
- Sterile Technique and Infection Control
- Asepsis, sterilization, and surgical site infections (SSIs).
- Surgical Instrumentation and Technology
- Identification, handling, and maintenance of surgical instruments and equipment.
- Patient Assessment and Management in Surgery
- Preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative care plans.
- Wound Care and Pain Management
- Dressings, drainage systems, and pharmacologic/non-pharmacologic pain relief.
- Surgical Specialties
- Cardiothoracic, orthopedic, neurosurgical, oncologic, and pediatric surgery nursing.
- Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
- Laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotic-assisted procedures.
- Emergency and Trauma Nursing
- Rapid assessment, resuscitation, and stabilization of surgical trauma patients.
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Surgical Nursing
- Informed consent, patient rights, and malpractice prevention.
- Practicum in Surgical Nursing
- Clinical rotations in operating rooms, surgical wards, and ICUs.
- Capstone Project
- Develop a care plan for a complex surgical patient or research a surgical nursing topic.
Assessment Methods
- Clinical skill demonstrations (sterile technique, wound care)
- Case studies on surgical patient management
- Simulated intraoperative scenarios
- Postoperative care plans
- Capstone project presentations
Tools & Resources
- Equipment: Surgical instruments, sterile drapes, wound care supplies, simulation mannequins
- Software: Electronic health records (EHR), surgical scheduling systems
- Books:
- Perioperative Nursing by Lois Hamlin
- Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery by Jane C. Rothrock
- Wound Care Essentials by Sharon Baranoski
Prerequisites
- Nursing diploma or associate degree (for specialized training).
- Interest in surgical care, critical thinking, and patient advocacy.
Program Duration
1–2 years (specialization/certificate), including clinical rotations in surgical settings.
Certifications
- Turkish Ministry of Health Surgical Nursing Certification
- Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) (international certification)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) (for critical care roles)
Career Paths
- Perioperative Nurse (scrub nurse, circulating nurse, RN first assistant)
- Surgical Ward Nurse (postoperative care, patient education)
- ICU Nurse (critical care for surgical patients)
- Outpatient Surgery Nurse (ambulatory surgical centers)
- Trauma Nurse (emergency departments, trauma centers)
- Surgical Nurse Educator (training for nursing staff)
- Clinical Coordinator (surgical unit management)
Why This Major?
Turkey’s healthcare system is expanding, with increasing demand for specialized surgical nurses in hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory centers. This program provides hands-on training in perioperative care and advanced surgical techniques, preparing graduates for high-demand, well-paying careers in a critical and rewarding field. With strong clinical experience and certification prep, students gain a competitive edge in a vital healthcare specialty. Ideal for nurses passionate about surgical care, patient safety, and teamwork.
