What does a Surgical Nurse do?
Published 3 min read
A surgical nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients before, during, and after surgery. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other members of the surgical team to ensure that each patient receives the best possible care.
Surgical Nurse job duties include:
- Assess patients before, during, and after surgery
- Administer medications to patients before, during, and after surgery
- Perform diagnostic tests on patients before surgery
- Assist surgeons during surgery
- Monitor patients' vital signs during and after surgery
- Change dressings on patients' wounds
- Educate patients and their families about surgical procedures and postoperative care
- Collaborate with other members of the surgical team, such as anesthesiologists and surgical technologists
- Maintain surgical equipment and supplies
Surgical Nurse Job Requirements
A Surgical Nurse is a registered nurse who has specialized training in caring for surgical patients. They must have a minimum of an Associate's degree in Nursing, although many have a Bachelor's degree. They must also be licensed as a registered nurse. Surgical Nurses must have experience working in an operating room, and many have certification in perioperative nursing.
Surgical Nurse Skills
- Patient care
- Instrumentation
- Suturing
- Aseptic technique
- Patient education
- Charting
- Medication administration
- IV starts
- Phlebotomy
- Assisting with surgeries
- Recovery room care
Related: Top Surgical Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Surgical Nurse
There are many different types of nurses, but surgical nurses are some of the most important. They play a vital role in the operating room, providing care for patients before, during, and after surgery. If you’re interested in becoming a surgical nurse, here are a few things you need to know.
First, you’ll need to obtain a nursing degree from an accredited school. This can be done through a traditional four-year university program or an accelerated nursing program. Once you have your degree, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as a registered nurse.
Once you have your RN license, you can begin working in a hospital setting. However, most surgical nurses complete additional training through a surgical technology program or a perioperative nursing program. These programs typically last one year and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to work effectively in the operating room.
After completing your training, you’ll be ready to start your career as a surgical nurse. You can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and physician offices. No matter where you work, you’ll be responsible for providing care for patients before, during, and after their surgeries.
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