OPANA is pleased to announce the publication of the 6th edition of the "Standards of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Practice", completed in November, 2009!

This set of Standards is an enhanced and comprehensive document of evidence-based perianesthesia standards for nursing practice issues relevant to PeriAnesthesia Nursing in 2009.  New Resources have been added which include recommendations for up to date solutions to issues in the perianesthesia specialty of nursing care.  There is also a complete section of OPANA's Position Statements regarding relevant changes to practice and new issues over the past and current years.  All standards, resources and position statements are referenced by current research results, evidence-based literature and by positions taken by related Associations across Canada and the U.S.A.  All literature used is referenced.

The format for these Standards includes Administrative Standards and Clinical Practice Standards.  Each standard includes guidelines or competency statements.  Competency statements are descriptions of the expected performance behaviour that reflects the professional attributes required in a given nursing role, situation or practice setting.The Standards provide a framework to promote the delivery of quality perianesthesia nursing care in diverse settings and for diverse patient populations - adult, pediatric and geriatric.  Standards provide a framework for competency development for the perianesthesia nurse role.  Said standards will influence and be influenced by practice, education, administration and research.

The revised "Standards of Perianesthesia Nursing Practice", 6th edition, 2009 was developed by the OPANA Standards Committee, and reviewed, revised and approved by the Executive and Board of Directors and the Advisory Council.  These Standards have been revised to encompass all aspects of perianesthesia nursing practice in all settings where anesthesia and/or sedation are administered.  They are designed to reflect the uniqueness of perianesthesia nursing practice and to promote higher perianesthesia standards of practice.  The PeriAnesthesia Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse is also accountable to the Ontario College of Nurses' Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses.

To review the contents of this new, complete set of Standards, please click on this link:  Contents of OPANA's Standards of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Practice, 6th Edition, 2009. 

To order a copy of OPANA's 6th Edition of the "Standards of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Practice", 2009, please click on "Standards of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Practice 2009 -  Order Online", available to the left of this page.

For more information regarding OPANA's Standards, or to join the Standards Committee, please email the OPANA office at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or complete the "Join the Standards Committee" form, available on the left of this page, and submit online. 

OPANA Standards Committee, 2009.