Surgical nursing is a challenging and rewarding career path that requires specific education, certification, and practical training. In this article, we will explore the steps needed to become a surgical nurse, the typical roles and responsibilities involved, and the different areas of surgical nursing specializations available

Education and Training Requirements for Surgical Nursing

To become a surgical nurse, also known as an operating room (OR) nurse, you will need to follow specific educational, certification, and practical training steps.

Degree

Start by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at an accredited college or university. A BSN typically takes four years to complete. You will study topics like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nursing principles. While an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) might be an option for becoming a registered nurse (RN), many employers prefer BSN-trained nurses, especially for specialized roles like surgical nursing. If you’re a second-degree student, you can consider an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program. These programs are designed for those who already have a degree in a non-nursing field and can be completed in 11 to 18 months.

Certification

After receiving your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become an RN. You may then opt for a certification in surgical nursing to validate your specific knowledge and skills. This certification is granted by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) upon passing a specialty exam. However, there is generally a requirement of at least two years of registered nursing experience and a specific number of clinical hours worked before you can sit for the exam.

Practical Training

In addition to the degrees and certifications, hands-on clinical experience in surgical settings is crucial for surgical nurses. Practical training can be gained through your BSN program’s clinical rotations or internships. After you become a registered nurse, you can further enhance your practical skills by working in surgical departments or clinics to gain experience. Remember, the more experience you gain, the more capable you’ll be at handling complex surgical procedures and providing high-quality patient care.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Surgical Nurse

As you work towards becoming a surgical nurse, you will have a lot of responsibilities that cover everything related to surgery. You’ll be in charge of various tasks before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Preoperative Duties

Before surgery, you’ll have the task of preparing the operating room. This involves sterilizing the surgical equipment, setting up the necessary tools, and ensuring that everything is in place for the procedure. You’ll also arrange surgical instruments on the table in the order of use to streamline the surgery workflow. Further, you’ll take charge of admitting and prepping the patient. This could involve documentation, medical record verification, and answering any queries the patient may have. You’ll inform the patient about the procedure to alleviate any apprehension. It’s your responsibility to gather all relevant information needed for successful anesthesia induction, such as diet, medication, allergies, and any health conditions.

Intraoperative Duties

During the operation, you’ll assist in the procedure itself, potentially in the capacity of a scrub nurse, circulating nurse, or RN first assistant (RNFA). As a scrub nurse, you’ll hand off sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the operation. On the other hand, as a circulating nurse, you’ll manage the overall nursing care in the operation suite and help maintain a safe and comfortable environment. As an RNFA, you’ll perform more hands-on duties such as suturing and wound management.

Postoperative Duties

Once the surgery has been performed, your responsibilities shift to the recovery and monitoring of the patient. You’ll take care of wound dressings, monitor vital signs, administer medication, and ensure pain management. Moreover, assessing the patient’s recovery and providing specific home-care instructions falls directly within your duties. Understanding and demonstrating these roles and responsibilities is crucial for any nurse aspiring to work in the field of surgical nursing. The nature of surgical nursing requires high levels of competency, dexterity, and precision. .