The role of the operating room (OR) nurse is one of the most demanding and fulfilling fields a nurse can pursue. Known by other names like surgical nursing or perioperative nursing, these professionals play a pivotal role in surgery-related procedures. Being an OR nurse requires specialized expertise and is a difficult yet rewarding career path.
What does an operating room nurse do?
An OR nurse is an important member of the operating team, providing vital care before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from preparing patients for surgery to managing post-operative care.
Key responsibilities of an OR nurse
To understand what a perioperative nurse is, it helps to understand what they do. Operating room nurses perform numerous tasks, all of which contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of the surgical process. Here are some of their main responsibilities:
- Prepare patients for surgery. OR nurses assess patients before surgery and explain what to expect during the entire process. OR nurses also ensure all pre-operative preparation has been completed and that the patient is ready for surgery by the time the surgical team is ready to begin.
- Assist surgeons during surgery. During operations, OR nurses may assist the surgeon as a scrub nurse, handing them instruments, monitoring the patient, or performing other supportive tasks. OR nurses may also function as a circulating nurse, being the member of the surgical team who leaves the OR to communicate with family or other medical professionals.
- Manage patient care after surgery. After surgery, OR nurses provide essential care to patients, monitoring their recovery and managing any complications that might arise. This role typically lasts until the patient has recovered from anesthesia and can be transferred to a hospital room or discharged.
- Communicate recovery process to patients. OR nurses are responsible for educating patients about their recovery process, including medication management, wound care, and other post-operative care instructions. The OR nurse plays a vital role in ensuring the patient understands how to care for themselves after the surgery.
- Prepare and maintain operating rooms. OR nurses ensure the cleanliness and preparedness of the operating rooms, managing supplies and maintaining sterile environments. They are also responsible for helping make sure the right equipment is present for each type of surgery.
- Advocate for patients. OR nurses serve as patient advocates, ensuring the patient’s rights are upheld, and their wishes are respected during the surgical process. This role is particularly important, as the patient is generally unable to advocate for themselves while under anesthesia.
Surgical nurse work environment
The working environment for an OR nurse varies greatly depending on their place of employment. They may work in hospital operating rooms, outpatient centers, doctor’s offices, or specialized surgical facilities. Some types of surgery may last for hours and be very involved, while others can be quick and routine.
The nature of their daily duties depends on the types of patients they encounter, as well as the surgeries being performed. OR nurses work closely with a diverse array of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other nursing staff.
Is it hard to be an operating room nurse?
Working as a surgical nurse has its challenges. The environment can be high in stress due to the critical nature of surgical procedures. Heavy caseloads, long hours, and the emotional strain of dealing with seriously ill patients can take a physical and mental toll. The ability to make a significant difference in patient’s lives, however, can make these challenges worthwhile.
It is important to note that while many OR nurse jobs are challenging, there are OR positions that follow normal working hours and include more routine types of procedures. One of the great benefits of operating room nursing is the wide variety of different types of nursing jobs and workloads that OR nurses have to choose from.
5 steps to become an operating room nurse
Becoming an OR nurse involves several steps. The essential step is becoming licensed as an RN. There are, however, other things that nurses can do to strengthen their credentials and highlight their expertise in the field.
1. Get your nursing degree
The first step involves acquiring a nursing degree. This can be achieved through an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN is a two-year program that offers a quicker route to entering the field, while a BSN is a four-year degree that provides more comprehensive training and may lead to more advanced opportunities.
2. Pass the National Council Licensure Exam
Once you have obtained your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse. After passing this test, you will be an RN and will be eligible for OR nurse positions.
3. Gain experience as a registered nurse
While it is theoretically possible to become an OR nurse as soon as you are a licensed RN, most OR positions require previous experience as an RN. You will typically need to spend at least two years working a RN job. This experience provides the solid foundation you will need to excel in the OR role.
4. Take an OR nurse certification program
After gaining experience, nurses can pursue a certification program to specialize in operating room nursing. These programs provide the specialized knowledge and skills required for this complex role. The certifications help but are not essential to get a position as an OR nurse. In fact, most OR nurses pursue these certifications after gaining some practical experience in the OR.
5. Continue your training and education
Even after becoming an OR nurse, it is important to continue with ongoing training and education. This not only helps maintain your credentials, but it can also create new opportunities for career advancement.
Operating room nurse salary and career path options
OR nurses enjoy excellent job opportunities, with a competitive salary range that varies depending on their location, level of experience, and area of specialization.
Beyond the role of an OR nurse, there are numerous career advancement opportunities. These may include positions such as head nurse, assistant director, or director of nursing, which carry higher levels of responsibility and, consequently, higher salaries. As with any career, continued growth and development are key to progress in the field of OR nursing.
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