An operating room nurse or an OR nurse play important role in healthcare as they make sure that the surgeries are performed safely, and the patients are given the best possible care. In this blog we will discuss what an OR nurse does and what is required to become the best operating room (OR) nurse.
What does an OR nurse do?
The role of an OR nurse starts from the first incision made till the patient is safely out from the OR room. Their duty is to prepare the operating room, sterilize the equipment for the surgeries, assist during the surgeries and provide post operative care in the recovery room. Here is the list of responsibilities of the OR nurse or Operating Room nurse.
Pre-Op Preparation: (Before the surgery begins)
The time before the surgery starts the operating nurse (OR) duties and roles are as follows:
- They make sure that the operating room is ready.
- All the equipment required is present and sterilized.
- Verifying patients’ identity and surgical site.
- Making sure that the consent forms are signed.
- Positioning the patients correctly on the operating table.
- Administering medications and inserting IVs.
- Measuring patient’s vital signs.
Intra Op Support: (During surgery)
The duties and role of an OR nurse during surgeries is these there, as scrub nurses, circulating nurse or RN first assistant.
- Scrub nurse: Helps the doctor during surgery by handing doctor the instruments, sterilizing instruments, offer any assistance if needed.
- Circulating Nurse: They make sure that the surgery runs smoothly, everything is in place, maintaining sterility and safety, documenting the details of the procedure and much more.
- RN first Assistant: RN first assistant assist in surgical procedures such as controlling the blood and looking for any signs of excessive bleeding. They also assist in stapling the wound and much more.
Post Op Recovery: (After the surgery)
After the surgery, the patients are moved to the recovery room. The role of the OR nurse after the surgery are as follows:
- Monitor the patient’s vital signs.
- Providing care after anesthesia.
- Ensuring bandages are clean and dry to avoid infection.
- Communicate with patients and their family members about the procedure.
- Update the patient’s charts and documentation.
Essential skills required for an OR (Operating Room Nurse)
An operating room nurse is required to have essential skills to be the best at what they do. Some of the skills required for an OR nurse are as follows:
- Great communication skills.
- Attention to details.
- Critical thinking and problem solving.
- Physical stamina.
Educational requirements to become an OR Nurse
Educational requirements to become an OR nurse is:
- Getting a nursing degree like BSN or ADN.
- Passing NCLEX exam.
- Optional certifications like National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- Background checks
- If you want to become a travel nurse, then apply for NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Where do OR nurses or Operating Room nurses work?
Operative room nurses work with doctors, surgeons, anesthetics and other healthcare providers and they can be found in a variety of settings such as emergency rooms, in and outpatient operating rooms, clinical setting and recovery rooms.
Pros and cons of becoming an OR nurse or Operating Room Nurse
OR nurse or Operating Room Nurse palys essential part in the healthcare system making sure that the patients receive the best care before, during and after surgery. If you are thinking of becoming an Operating room nurse, then it has its own pros and cons such as:
Pros:
- High demand.
- Opportunities for advancement
- Can work in a variety of settings.
- Rewarding work.
- Hands on patient care.
- Better pay
Cons:
- Physical demanding
- Stressful environment
- Unpredictable work hours and on call shifts
- Risk of exposure to infections
- High level responsibility
Conclusion
In the world of health care OR nurses are the unsung heroes, with dedication and right skills they make sure that the operations and procedures run smoothly and help the patients to recover. What do OR nurses do and what are their responsibilities in the operating room? They ensure that the surgeries are safe and efficient and provide duties before, during and after surgeries. No doubt becoming an OR nurse is a stressful job, with high responsibility that requires physical stamina, but at the same time it is the most rewarding job. If you are a travel nurse or thinking of becoming one, join Skill Gigs now and become part of our travel nursing world! Happy travel nursing.
