Raising hospital care standards: Training that equips nurses to deliver advanced, patient-centred care

Modern operating theatres rely on lasers for procedures from ophthalmology (eye surgery) to urology and beyond. These technologies deliver precise, less invasive treatments, but only if used with strict safety protocols. Inconsistent safety practices can put patients and staff at risk, so theatre nurses need rigorous laser education. Comprehensive laser safety training empowers nurses to uphold patient-centred care while meeting their workplace health and safety responsibilities. 

Nurses in perioperative suites must master how lasers work and the hazards they present. Bravura Education’s Hospital/Medical Laser Safety Officer (LSO) course arms you with all the knowledge to implement laser safety standards in specialities like ophthalmology, urology and ENT. This evidence-based training helps staff meet their workplace health and safety obligations. Proper laser safety training creates a unique synergy between patients and hospital safety, improving outcomes and protecting everyone in the operating room.

Regulators and clinical standards bodies reinforce the need for training. For example, Australian Standard AS/NZS 4173:2018 explicitly notes that a key control for laser safety is the safety training of personnel. Likewise, OSHA/ANSI guidelines stipulate that laser operators, support staff and even nurses working with Class 3B/4 lasers receive detailed safety training. Bravura’s courses align with these requirements, providing accredited professional development (CPD) that meets national and state regulations. In practice, this means nurses not only learn safe laser practices but also earn recognised CPD hours as AHPRA-registered professionals.

Bravura Education offers three key courses in the Hospital/Medical category, each designed as a clinician-focused laser education tool for theatre nurses. These fully online, self-paced courses use short video and quiz modules so busy clinicians can learn “in your own time, at your own pace”. The curriculum covers hazards (eye/skin injury, plume, fire risk), protective gear and auditing protocols, and LSO responsibilities. All courses are evidence-based and aligned with AS/NZS 4173 (Safe use of lasers in health care) and ACORN perioperative guidelines.

• Basic Laser Safety Course: An introductory program covering fundamental laser physics, interactions and standard precautions (recommended for any theatre staff in contact with lasers).

• Laser Safety Officer (LSO) / User / Operator Course (Hospital/Medical): An 8-hour, CPD-accredited course covering laser operation, hazard controls, eyewear protection and administrative policies. Graduates can serve as competent Laser Safety Officers under AS/NZS 4173:2018.

• Refresher – Laser Safety Course (Hospital/Medical): A 6-hour modular course to update and reinforce existing laser safety knowledge, in line with ACORN’s recommendation to refresh laser training every five years.

All three courses are delivered flexibly online and backed by Bravura’s expert support. Theatre nurses gain evidence-based knowledge (for example, the laser operator course helps them meet their workplace health and safety responsibilities) while fitting study around shift work. As Bravura notes, flexible online learning is transforming medical education by accommodating busy schedules and reducing burnout.

Specialised training helps nurses implement best-practice safety protocols — from mandating certified laser safety eyewear to managing laser plume and emergency procedures. When applied correctly, laser procedures can dramatically improve patient outcomes in cataract, lithotripsy and other surgeries. By staying current with evidence-based training and refreshers, theatre teams not only enhance compliance but also ensure truly patient-centred care.

Bravura Education’s accredited laser safety courses empower healthcare teams to elevate care standards and maintain regulatory compliance. To learn more or arrange group training, visit our Contact page or reach out for a quote. Take the first step toward safer, more advanced hospital care today.