Which activities are the circulating nurses responsibility in the operating room?

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Which activities are the circulating nurses responsibility in the operating room?

What does a perioperative nurse do?

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.

Scope of practice

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:

  • Working with patients prior to surgery to complete paperwork, and help answer questions or calm fears about surgery
  • Monitoring a patient’s condition during and after surgery
  • Selecting and passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon during operation (sometimes referred to as a scrub nurse)
  • Managing the overall nursing care in the operating room to help maintain a safe and comfortable environment (sometimes referred to as a circulating nurse)
  • Educating patients on best practices for recovery, including pain management and keeping wounds clean
  • Cleaning surgical equipment and operating rooms to maintain a sterile environment

Work environment

Perioperative 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 nurse

Successful 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 requirements

The typical pathway to becoming a perioperative nurse is different for everyone, but most include the following:

  • Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree,
  • Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
  • Work experience as a registered nurse (R.N.)
  • Completing a perioperative nurse certification program

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 numbers

4-6

years of higher education

9%

job growth projected from 2020-2030

Perioperative nurse programs at Mayo Clinic

  • Perioperative Nursing Fellowship (Arizona)

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Which activities are the circulating nurses responsibility in the operating room?

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Which activities are the circulating nurses responsibilities in the operating room?

Circulating nurses provide additional supplies and sterile instruments as needed during the operation and assist the other team members in monitoring the status of the patient or helping with the repositioning of the patient during the procedure.

What are the 3 essential roles of a circulating nurse?

What does a circulator nurse do?.
Supervising charge nurses and informs them of their duties..
Acting as an advocate for the patient before, during and after surgery..
Monitoring and recording the patient's vitals pre-operation..
Preparing the surgical tools and materials that the surgical team will need during the operation..

What is the nursing responsibility during operation?

Scope of practice Working with patients prior to surgery to complete paperwork, and help answer questions or calm fears about surgery. Monitoring a patient's condition during and after surgery. Selecting and passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon during operation (sometimes referred to as a scrub nurse)

What are the responsibilities of a circulating nurse quizlet?

Monitors urine and blood loss during surgery and reports findings to the surgeon. Supplies, monitors, and documents the infusion of ordered fluids. Observes for breaks in sterile technique and announces them to the team.