Surgical nursing

Surgical Nursing is a specialized area of nursing that involves providing care for patients before, during, and after surgery. Surgical nurses, also known as perioperative nurses, play a crucial role in the surgical process and work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Roles and Responsibilities

Surgical nurses have a wide range of responsibilities, which can vary depending on the specific role they play in the surgical process. These roles can be broadly categorized into three areas: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care.

Preoperative Care

In the preoperative phase, surgical nurses are responsible for preparing patients for surgery. This can involve a variety of tasks, such as conducting preoperative assessments, educating patients about the surgical process, and assisting with the administration of anesthesia.

Intraoperative Care

During the surgery itself, surgical nurses assist the surgical team in a variety of ways. This can include tasks such as monitoring the patient's vital signs, assisting with the surgical procedure, and ensuring that the surgical environment is safe and sterile.

Postoperative Care

After the surgery, surgical nurses provide postoperative care to help patients recover. This can involve monitoring the patient's condition, managing pain, and providing education and support to patients and their families.

Education and Training

Becoming a surgical nurse typically requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, although some nurses may enter the field with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). After obtaining their nursing degree, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN).

In addition to their basic nursing education, surgical nurses often pursue additional training and certification in perioperative nursing. This can involve completing a perioperative nursing program and obtaining certification from organizations such as the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI).

See Also

• Nursing
• Perioperative nursing
• Registered nurse
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Associate Degree in Nursing
• National Council Licensure Examination
• Competency and Credentialing Institute