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Perioperative Nursing | How to Become a Surgical Nurse

Registered nurses who want to play an intricate part in surgical procedures become perioperative nurses. The nursing profession has some of the most highly paid, highly skilled individuals of all professions. Only experienced, educated people can perform the duties and responsibilities of nurses.  The operating room is a place that can cause a great deal of emotional discomfort for surgery patients so it is very important that compassionate and skilled nurses assume the role of surgical nurse.

Operating Room Nurse Job Description

An operating room nurse has the responsibility to assist with the care of patients while they are in the operating room. Operating room nurses are also called perioperative nurses. The name reflects the specialized care that they provide in the operating room.

Surgical nurses work in a variety of setting, including day surgery units, hospital surgery departments, and physicians’ offices and clinics around the world. This position requires that perioperative nurses work closely with the patients, their families, and the healthcare professionals involved in the surgery. They have the responsibility to assign with planning, implementing, and evaluating treatment options of the surgery patients.

The role of an operating nurse has evolved greatly over the years. Their main roles are to assist doctors during surgery and care for patients. A surgical nurse can also provide therapy and medications to surgical patients. They work closely with healthcare professionals under the supervision of licensed doctors.

An operating nurse works closely with the entire team of healthcare professionals during surgery. An operating nurse may serve as a circulating nurse, who manages and maintains the comfort and safety of the operating room; or scrub nurse, who selects and passes surgical tools during an operation.

Surgical Nurse Education Requirements

It is always a good idea to research the educational requirements for a particular career before deciding how to receive an education. Many careers have specific criteria that individuals must adhere to before serving in a specific position.

Surgical Perioperative nurse RN registered nursing studentTo become a surgical nurse it is required that individuals receive an education from an accredited college or university. The accredited institution of higher learning must be accredited in accordance with the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. The accreditation of schools proves that they provide a rigorous nursing education for all students.

Many choose to receive their education from a high-ranking school for their particular degree so that their marketability after graduation increases. The choices for an education include a diploma program, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions as surgical nurses.

The educational choices include a variety of approaches, including hands-on experiences and curriculum consisting of practical aspects and educational theories of nursing. The diploma program lasts one year, the associate’s degree program lasts two years, and the bachelor’s degree program lasts four years.

Many students choose accelerated programs to expedite their education so that they can begin working sooner. The bachelor’s degree provides the greatest number of opportunities as a surgical nurse, as many clinics and hospitals require certified nurses to fill positions as perioperative nurses.

The National Council a Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses offers the nursing examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse. The test can be taken after completing a nursing degree from an accredited educational institution.

Graduates from an accredited nursing program must also take specialized courses in nursing to become a perioperative nurse. Courses related to surgery in the trauma units or operating rooms are great ways to further nursing training. Earning a degree as an advanced practice nurse can open the door of opportunity for positions with higher salaries and responsibilities.

Surgical Nurse Salary

The median annually registered nurse salary for a surgical nurse is $57,280. Salaries for surgical nurses range from $40,250 to $83,440 annually, depending on location, education, and experience. Perioperative nurses working in surgery facilities and hospitals can make a much higher salary. Positions that provide a greater amount of responsibility may also drive the salary even higher. Surgical nurses working in hospitals may receive more additional hours that can increase their annual salaries closer to the $100,000 range.

Surgical Nurse Jobs Outlook

Nursing jobs are expected to grow faster than the average of any other profession. Perioperative nurses gain practical and technical skills in the healthcare field. The shortage of qualified nurses makes surgical nurses highly sought after in the nursing profession. Becoming a travel nurse may increase the level of experience and income potential for surgical nurses.

Surgical nurses play a very important role in the surgical process that patients experience. They must ensure that the needs of their patients are met and that the patients receive their services in a safe, comfortable environment. Perioperative nurses are highly skilled nurses that make the surgical process easier for patients and healthcare professionals.

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