Perioperative nurses, more commonly known as operating room nurses, are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients before, during, and after surgery. Operating room nurses form part of a larger team of medical professionals who all act together to ensure that the patient has a safe and comfortable surgical experience.
Perioperative nursing is a unique specialty that requires specialized skills and knowledge. This article aims to provide an overview of perioperative nursing, including duties, responsibilities, certifications, qualifications, and other important information.
Duties and Responsibilities
The perioperative nurse’s primary responsibility is to provide patient care before, during, and after surgery. This means that the nurse must be familiar with the entire surgical process, from preoperative assessment to postoperative care. As a perioperative nurse, you will work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, other nurses, and other healthcare personnel to ensure that the entire procedure is safe and effective.
Before surgery, the perioperative nurse will assess the patient’s overall medical condition and provide preoperative instructions. This includes listening to the patient’s medical history, obtaining vital signs, and completing preoperative tests.
During the operation, the perioperative nurse will assist the surgeon, monitor the patient’s vital signs, provide emotional support, and adjust the patient’s position as necessary. After surgery, the perioperative nurse will ensure that the patient is comfortable and monitoring their progress.
Perioperative nurses also handle various administrative tasks, such as ordering and maintaining surgical supplies, preparing patient medical records, and documenting patient care. In addition, they may be asked to educate patients and their families about postoperative care and discuss any questions or concerns they may have.
Certifications and Qualifications
To become a perioperative nurse, you must first earn an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university. After obtaining an RN license, you can apply for certification in the field of perioperative nursing. The Certification Board of Perioperative Nursing (CBPN) offers a Certified Perioperative Nurse exam that covers topics such as preoperative preparation, scrubbing techniques, operative procedures, and postoperative care. Once certified, you will be able to demonstrate your commitment to quality patient care and professional development.
Additionally, many employers require perioperative nurses to have experience in the operating room, as well as advanced certifications such as the Certified Operating Room Nurse (CORSN) certification. CORSN is offered through the Advanced Certification for Perioperative Nursing Organization (ACPNO) and is designed for experienced operating room nurses.
Working Conditions
Perioperative nurses usually work in hospital operating rooms, but they may also work in ambulatory care facilities, office settings, and physician practices. Working in the operating room is often demanding, as there is a need for quick thinking, attention to detail, and critical decision-making.
The hours and days that a perioperative nurse works depends on the size and type of facility they are working in and the volume of surgery that they need to care for.
It can be stressful working in the operating room, as the perioperative nurse must remain calm and attentive in high-pressure situations. For this reason, it is important to keep up to date with professional development in order to stay on top of new information and trends in the field. That being said, being a perioperative nurse can be a very rewarding career, as you are caring for patients before, during, and after life-saving surgeries.
Benefits
In addition to the reward that comes from providing high-quality patient care, there are many other benefits when it comes to working as a perioperative nurse. One of the most attractive aspects of working in the operating room is the potential for promotions and greater responsibility.
As a perioperative nurse, you can expect to be well-compensated for your hard work. Salaries for operating room nurses can range from $50,000 to $90,000, depending on experience. In addition, many hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare facilities offer competitive benefit packages, such as health benefits, vacation and sick days, and retirement savings plans.
Conclusion
Perioperative nursing is an important and rewarding field of nursing that requires specialized skills and knowledge. As a perioperative nurse, you will work to ensure the safety and comfort of patients before, during, and after surgery. To become a perioperative nurse, you must obtain an associate’s degree in nursing and a RN license, as well as specialized certifications and/or experience in the operating room. It can be a demanding job, but the rewards of providing quality patient care make it a fulfilling career choice.
FAQ About Perioperative Nurse
A: To become a perioperative nurse, you must have an associate’s degree in nursing and a valid RN license. You may also need to pursue additional certifications and/or experience in the operating room.
A: The perioperative nurse’s primary responsibility is to provide patient care before, during, and after surgery. This includes assessing the patient’s medical condition before surgery, assisting the surgeon during the operation, and monitoring the patient’s progress after surgery. The perioperative nurse also handles various administrative tasks, such as ordering and maintaining surgical supplies, preparing patient medical records, and educating patients and their families about postoperative care.
A: Working as a perioperative nurse is a satisfying and rewarding career choice. In addition to the rewards of providing high-quality patient care, perioperative nurses can expect competitive salaries and benefit packages, as well as potential for promotions and greater responsibility.
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