Operating Room Nurse

Description

Perioperative nurses also called Operating Room (OR) nurses are Registered Nurses (RNs) who are relied upon for their professional judgment and critical thinking skills. Perioperative nurses may work closely with the surgical patient, family members, and other health care professionals. They help plan, implement, and evaluate treatment of the patient. In the operating room, the perioperative nurse may serve as a:

Scrub nurse ? selecting and handling instruments and supplies used for the operation.
Circulating nurse - managing the overall nursing care in the operating room and helping to maintain a safe, comfortable environment.
RN First Assistant - delivering direct surgical care by assisting the surgeon in controlling bleeding, providing wound exposure, and suturing during the actual procedure.
Perioperative nurses also may work as an OR Director, managing budgets, staffing, and other business aspects of the operating room. Some perioperative nurses may later consider a career in business as a management consultant, clinical educator, researcher, or medical sales professional. With advanced education and training, some perioperative nurses elect to pursue the role of a nurse anesthetist.