There are several different areas of surgical nursing that you could choose to specialize in, each with its own unique aspects and challenges.
Orthopedic Surgical Nursing
Orthopedic surgical nurses work with patients who are undergoing surgery related to the musculoskeletal system. This could include surgeries for broken bones, joint replacements, or spinal surgeries. You’d be responsible for preoperative care, assisting during the operation, and overseeing postoperative recovery.
Orthopedic surgical nursing requires a comprehensive understanding of the human musculoskeletal system and a skill set that includes wound care and pain management.
Cardiac Surgical Nursing
As a
cardiac surgical nurse, you would work with patients who are undergoing heart-related surgeries, such as bypass surgeries, angioplasties, or heart transplants. Your duties would be similar to those of an orthopedic surgical nurse but with a focus on the cardiovascular system.
Cardiac surgical nursing requires a strong knowledge of the human cardiovascular system and related diseases. These nurses often work in fast-paced, high-stress environments where attention to detail and quick decisions are necessary.
Neurosurgical Nursing
Neurosurgical nurses work with patients who require surgery on their brain or spinal cord. These could range from tumor removal to treatment for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.
Neurosurgeries can often be complex and lengthy, requiring the nurse to have specialized knowledge of the human nervous system. In this role, managing patients’ comfort before, during, and after surgery can pose unique challenges, given the sensitive nature of the nervous system.
Each of these specializations requires its own additional training and certifications beyond the basic nursing education and licensure. As a surgical nurse, you could choose to specialize further, become a scrub nurse, or move into a first assistant role. You could also branch out into nurse anesthesia or pursue a career in
nursing education or
administration.
Career Progression in Surgical Nursing
After obtaining the necessary certification and some experience as a general surgical nurse, you can choose to take various paths to advance your career, all of which require further education and responsibilities.
Becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist
One potential route is to become a
clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Not only do CNSs perform hands-on work, but they also play a vital role in healthcare improvements and cost-cutting measures. To become a CNS, you will need to complete a graduate-level nursing program and pass an exam to earn a national certification. You will also need to accumulate several hundred hours of clinical practice post-degree.
Exploring a Role as a Nurse Anesthetist
If you’re interested in the surgical environment, a career as a
certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) could be appealing. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery following anesthesia administration.
Becoming a CRNA requires further education— usually a
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited nurse anesthesia program and passing the national certification exam.
Transitioning to Nurse Practitioner
Finally, becoming a
nurse practitioner (NP) can allow you to take on additional responsibilities, including conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating common acute illnesses and injuries, managing chronic problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, and providing preventative care. This will require you to earn an MSN or
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, followed by obtaining national certification.
Each of these paths offers its own rewards and challenges, but they all require a commitment to additional education and training. It’s important to consider your own long-term career goals and personal interests when choosing which path to follow.
