Registered Nurse (RN), Operating Room

Operating room registered nurses is also known as a perioperative nurse takes care of patients at every stage of the operative process (before, after, and during surgery). There are three parts of the operating room where nurses may focus their attention on: circulating, scrub nurse and the first assistant.

The circulatory nurse is concerned with maintaining a clean and sterile setting in the operating room. This type nurse is able to open sterile packs filled with items that aid in surgical procedures and also documenting procedures necessary to ensure an environment that is sterile. The scrub nurse wears scrubs and gloves and gives the surgeon(s) the instruments they require and also examines the condition of a patient during surgery. The first assistant works closely with surgeons, performing some hands-on tasks on the patient, such as cutting through tissues or suturing, and handing surgeons surgeon(s) the instruments they require.

Operation room nurses are employed indoors in operating rooms that are sterile in the medical and hospital facilities. Their primary supervisors are the surgeons they work with alongside administrators within their nursing structure. They are not just working with surgeons, but also with other nurses and anesthesiologists too. Their schedules may require them to be at work every time of week, at any time, through a scheduled appointment or at very short notice. Operating room nurses are exposed to hazardous substances employed in sterilization and anesthesiological procedures. They also around sharp objects.

A registered nurse must finish of a recognized nursing program to be certified. First assistants might require a certain amount of years in the role of a registered nurse, or additional courses. Operating room nurses requires critical thinking, as well as the capability to operate in a high-speed environment, and to be extremely flexible. Since these nurses are in environments that could lead to death, they must be mentally prepared to deal with various outcomes without losing their performance.

As a Registered Nurse RN with 3-6 years of experience in the Operating Room in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

• Prepare the operating room for surgical procedures, ensuring sterilization, equipment setup, and adequate supplies. Ensure cleanliness and sterility in the operating room, arranging equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.
• Assist surgeons and healthcare professionals during surgeries, providing necessary instruments and supplies. Support surgical teams by providing instruments, supplies, and equipment needed during procedures.
• Monitor patients during surgical procedures, ensuring their safety and responding to any changes in their condition. Maintain patient safety by monitoring vital signs, anesthesia, and overall well-being during surgeries.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive patient care, including pre-operative and post-operative assessments.

For a Registered Nurse (RN), Operating Room job role, the following qualifications are required:

• A Registered Nurse must possess an active and unrestricted license to practice nursing. This ensures that they have met the necessary educational requirements and have the competency to provide safe and effective care in an operating room setting.
• Prior experience working in an operating room is essential for an RN in this role. They should be familiar with surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and the use of specialized equipment. This experience helps them anticipate and respond to the unique demands of the operating room environment.
• The operating room is a fast-paced and high-stakes environment. An RN must have keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy in administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting patient information. Small errors can have significant consequences, making attention to detail a critical qualification.
• Operating room nurses often encounter complex situations that require quick decision-making and problem-solving skills.

For an experienced Registered Nurse RN with 3-6 years of experience in the operating room in the United Kingdom, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options to explore:

• Nurse Educator: A position that involves teaching and training aspiring nurses, as well as providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities to current nursing staff.
• Nurse Researcher: A role focused on conducting research studies to improve patient care, developing evidence-based practices, and contributing to advancements in the field of nursing.
• Nurse Case Manager: A position that involves coordinating and managing the care of patients, ensuring their healthcare needs are met, and facilitating communication between healthcare providers and patients/families.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: A role that combines direct patient care with advanced knowledge and expertise in a specialized area, such as critical care, cardiology, oncology, or pediatrics, providing specialized care, education, and consultation to patients and other healthcare professionals.

The job role of Registered Nurse (RN) in the Operating Room in the United Kingdom is expected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in demand for operating room nurses. The projected analysis for the next 10 years suggests a continuation of this trend, indicating a positive outlook for future employment opportunities in this field. With the advancing healthcare sector in the UK, there will be a growing need for skilled operating room nurses to support surgical procedures and provide quality patient care. This position is predicted to offer numerous employment avenues in the coming years.