Page Content A perioperative nurse is a registered nurse (R.N.) who works in the
operating room. Sometimes called a surgical or an operating room nurse, this specialized nurse cares for patients before, during, and after surgery. In the operating room, the perioperative nurse may serve as a scrub nurse, selecting and passing instruments and supplies used for the operation, or as a circulating nurse managing the overall nursing care in the operating room and helping to maintain a safe, comfortable environment. Perioperative nurses use a
comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient care, assisting surgeons and surgical teams to care for a patient before, during, and after surgery. Specifically, responsibilities and duties of a perioperative nurse include:
Work environmentPerioperative nurses work in hospital operating rooms, outpatient centers, and doctors’ offices. Perioperative nurses have a lot of contact with patients of all ages, surgeons, and other members of the surgical team. Often times, perioperative nurses are working with new patients every day and typically do not form long-term relationships with their patients. The work environment can be stressful due to the nature of the position, but many nurses find it a rewarding role. Becoming a perioperative nurseSuccessful perioperative nurses are excellent problem-solvers with the desire to care for people. Many nursing degree programs require a strong background in science along with taking the certified nursing assistant course. Prior experience in the health care field can often help set a nursing student or a recent graduate apart from their classmates. Higher education requirementsThe typical pathway to becoming a perioperative nurse is different for everyone, but most include the following:
Job opportunities for registered nurses are excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of R.N.s will continue to grow at an average pace. Perioperative nurses can expect to earn a median salary of $81,840. With additional education and experience, perioperative nurses can advance their careers and work as operating room directors who help manage budgets, staffing, and other business aspects of the operating room. Some perioperative nurses complete advanced degrees to become nurse anesthetists or become a certified first assistant. They may also work as clinical educators or researchers. By the numbers4-6 years of higher education 9% job growth projected from 2020-2030 Perioperative nurse programs at Mayo Clinic
Browse similar programsCardiovascular perfusionistNurse anesthetistSurgical first assistantWhat is the most important role of the perioperative nurse in intraoperative phase?The key responsibility for the perioperative nurse is to maintain a sterile environment for the patient and surgical team before, during, and after surgery. Consequently, the nurse often has multiple responsibilities, especially where there are shortages of skilled health workers.
What are the nursing responsibilities during intraoperative?Nursing responsibilities during the intraoperative phase include continuing the assessment of the patient's physiologic and psychologic status, promoting safety and privacy, preventing wound infection, and promoting healing.
What are the 3 goals of the intra operative phase?Make certain that equipments are safely functioning. Ensure that supplies and materials are available for use during surgical procedures. Monitors aseptic technique while coordinating the movement of related personnel.
What are your roles as a surgical team member during the intraoperative phase of care?You are usually the first member of the surgical team who meets the patient. You are the patient's advocate throughout the intraoperative experience. This includes maintaining the patient's safety, privacy, dignity, and confidentiality; communicating with the patient; and providing physical care.
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