Medical nurses play a significant role in patient care in most healthcare facilities. Among them are surgical nurses, who operate in one of the most specialized environments, including the operating room. Their duties extend beyond procedure assistance; they assist patients preoperatively, offer crucial support during procedures, and monitor recovery post-procedure.
If you have ever asked yourself what you should study or learn to enhance your nursing career, then this is your guide. This article will explain what surgical nurses do, how to become a surgical nurse, and what skills are needed.
Keep reading if you’re exploring new nursing roles or simply curious about surgical nursing.
Table of Contents
Who Are Medical Nurses and What Do They Do?
Medical nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who care for patients in many different healthcare environments, ranging from hospitals and clinics to long-term care facilities. They collaborate with physicians and interprofessional teams to evaluate patient needs, administer medications, track vital signs, and educate patients about their health status and care plans.
Medical nurses are experts in various specialties, including surgical nursing. Surgical nurses, also known as perioperative nurses (perioperative surgical nurses), are trained to care for patients throughout the surgical process.
What Do Surgical Nurses Do?
Surgical nurses play a vital role in the operating room (OR). They help maintain a sterile field, assist the surgical team, and ensure patient safety during procedures.
Preoperative Responsibilities
- Physical and emotional preparation of patients for surgery
- Reviewing medical histories and checking vital signs
- Educating patients about the procedure and post-operative care
Intraoperative Duties
- Assisting surgeons with tools and instruments
- Maintaining a sterile environment
- Monitoring anesthesia levels and patient vitals
Postoperative Care
- Monitoring recovery in the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit)
- Managing pain and observing for complications
- Patient and family education for postoperative home care
How to Become a Surgical Nurse
If you’re interested in pursuing a surgical nurse career, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Earn a Nursing Degree
Start with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Employers often prefer a BSN for surgical settings.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN
This is the national licensing examination that all nurses must take to become Registered Nurses (RN).
3. Acquire Clinical Experience
Working in a medical-surgical unit helps build the foundation of surgical knowledge and patient care.
Top Skills Every Surgical Nurse Should Have
In order to succeed in their surgical nursing profession, operating room nurses must possess the following capabilities (Essential Nursing Skills):
- Critical Thinking: To assess situations and make quick decisions under pressure.
- An Eye to Detail: Maintaining sterile technique and assisting with procedures requires intense focus.
- Communication: Working in coordination with the operating team is necessary to protect the patient’s safety.
- Emotional Resilience: Managing surgical crises and outcomes requires a strong emotional base.
- Physical Endurance: Prolonged standing in the OR demands strength and endurance.
Surgical Nurse Career Path and Advancement Opportunities
The career of the surgical nurse is dynamic, offering many opportunities for advancement and specialty.
- Entry-Level
- Surgical nurse
- Operating room nurse
- Scrub nurse
- Specializations
- Orthopedic surgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Trauma surgery
- Advanced Surgical Nurses’ Roles
- Surgical Nurse Educator
- Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)
- Perioperative Nurse Manager
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Perioperative Care
Daily Life and Challenges of a Surgical Nurse
Surgical nurses often start early and finish late, depending on surgical schedules. Although each day is different based on surgical schedules, most days follow this sort of pattern:
- Prepping the OR and surgical instruments
- Reviewing patient charts and ensuring consent
- Scrubbing in and assisting with multiple surgeries
- Coordinating postoperative recovery
Challenges Faced
- Long, unpredictable hours
- Exposure to traumatic procedures
- Balancing technical work with compassionate care
Despite the challenges, many nurses find the surgical environment highly rewarding.
Why Surgical Nurses Are Crucial to Patient Outcomes
Their role goes far beyond assisting during surgery. Surgical nurses are advocates for the patients. Their scope of work extends beyond the OR to encompass holistic, patient-centered care.
Key Contributions
- Preventing surgical site infections through meticulous sterile technique
- Ensuring timely medication and pain management
- Educating patients for successful recovery
- Detecting post-surgical complications early
The attention and vigilance of surgical nurses have a significant impact on surgical success and patient satisfaction.
Final Words
As a medical nurse in the health care field, your position has a direct pre-op, intra-op, and post-op recovery. Whether supporting the OR, running the post-op recovery, or guiding the patients through sophisticated treatments, your ability directly impacts lives.
Success requires not only experience and knowledge but also access to the right tools.
High-quality surgical instruments within reach guarantee smoother surgery, improved results, and fewer complications, thereby allowing you to provide the best quality of care from start to finish.
Surgical nursing is a demanding yet incredibly fulfilling profession for those nurses who want to specialize. With good training, attitude, and equipment, you can make a significant impact in the operating room and beyond.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between surgical and medical nurses?
Surgical nurses specialize in caring for patients who are undergoing surgery. They work in the operating room, assisting with procedures, ensuring a sterile environment, and helping patients recover. On the other hand, medical nurses work in various settings and focus on general patient care.
2. What certifications do I need to become a surgical nurse?
Some standard certifications include Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). These certifications showcase your expertise in surgical nursing and can improve your job prospects.
3. Why are high-quality surgical instruments important in nursing practice?
High-quality surgical instruments are critical for ensuring the precision and efficiency of surgical procedures. For surgical nurses, these tools help make the job easier, reduce complications, and improve patient outcomes.
This article was written for WHN by Allex Haryy, a health and wellness writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a background in business and a passion for simplifying complex topics, he began writing during his MBA journey. Allex combines personal insights with expert-backed knowledge to offer helpful, practical advice, especially in the fields of healthcare and patient education. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him exploring new tech or diving into conversations with his network of medical professionals.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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