title: Project Alpha. A nursing elective implemented in a general systems theory curriculum.
abstract: From the perspectives of both nursing education and nursing practice, the perioperative elective was beneficial and timely. The students received knowledge and skills pertinent to their present educational endeavors and future technologic trends. In turn, the affiliating agency has a pool of potential employees who truly understand the needs of surgical patients and who may choose to become operating room nurses. Perioperative nursing does belong in the baccalaureate curriculum and is an assurance of nursing's commitment to holistic care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, College of Allied Health Professions, Temple University, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Beitz
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000193:education*; D010414:Pennsylvania