Role of a Medical Surgical Nurse
Surgical nurses are a vital part of the health care team that provides care for patients before, during and after surgical procedures. They work both inside and outside of the sterile field to provide both direct patient care and support to the surgical staff.
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General Duties
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Surgical nurses are RNs who work in the operating, pre-surgical or recovery areas of a hospital, outpatient surgical center or emergency ward, under the supervision of the operating physician. They perform many functions that allow surgeries to proceed smoothly, including preparing patients for surgery, assisting the surgeon during procedures and following up with patients during recovery. Although working conditions for nurses are generally good, they can be stressful, both physically and emotionally. Surgical nurses are required to be on their feet for long periods of time and often work extended shifts.
Recovery nurses
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Surgical prep and recovery nurses are RNs who care for individuals before surgery and during recovery. They prepare patients for surgical procedures by starting intravenous lines, administering medication, taking a complete health history, completing additional tests such as blood work, and performing pre-surgical preparations such as shaving. Nurses who work in recovery are responsible for monitoring the patient as she awakens from anesthesia. They watch the patient's vital signs, check dressings and wounds, administer medication and assist with pain management. They serve an important role in providing education and support for the patient and her family.
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Scrub Nurses
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Scrub nurses are RNs who work within the sterile field to assist the surgeon. The scrub nurse has scrubbed with antimicrobial soap and is outfitted in a sterile suit. Scrub nurses prepare the needed instruments and other supplies for surgery and hand them to the surgeon during the procedure. Typically, scrub nurses acquire their position only after they have gained extensive nursing experience.
Circulating Nurses
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Circulating nurses assist the surgical team in various ways but do not work within the sterile field. Some of the duties of a circulating nurse include obtaining additional equipment or instruments for the team, monitoring the condition of the patients, preparing tissue samples for transport to a lab, and disposing of biohazardous material. The circulating nurse is also charged with keeping track of the instruments, dressings and other equipment used during surgery.
Registered Nurse First Assistants
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Registered nurse first assistants (RNFA) have extensive additional training and clinical experience that qualifies them to assist surgeons by performing basic surgical procedures. An RNFA must take coursework in perioperative care and surgical procedures and pass the CRNFA (Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant) professional board exam. Duties of a RNFA may include suturing, exposing a wound, controlling bleeding and assisting surgeons in holding or operating other instruments.
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