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, during and after 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 responsible with maintaining a clean and sterile environment in the operating room. the nurse in this category opens sterile containers 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 anesthesiology 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), Operating Room with 6-9 years of experience in India, here are some main responsibilities:

• Providing support to the surgical team throughout various procedures in the operating room.
• Ensuring that all necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies are available and properly sterilized.
• Continuously assessing the vital signs and overall condition of patients undergoing surgery.
• Communicating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other members of the surgical team to ensure coordinated and safe patient care.

Major educational qualifications required for Registered Nurse (RN), Operating Room are:

• A Bachelor's Degree in nursing from a recognized institution of nursing is preferred.
• You must have a current, active RN license in the state of practice.
• A certificate in CPR.
• Two years of experience in a health related area preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proven ability of maintaining a higher degree of professionalism in stressful situations.
• Excellent critical thinking skills.
• Determined to provide the highest quality possible care for patients.
• Should have a general understanding of computers and department-specific software.

The role of an Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) is vital in ensuring high-quality patient care during surgeries. For professionals in India with 6-9 years of experience in this field, there are several alternative roles to consider. Here are four options:

• Clinical Nurse Educator: A role focused on teaching and mentoring aspiring nurses, sharing clinical knowledge and best practices.
• Nurse Researcher: A position dedicated to conducting research studies, collecting data, and contributing to advancements in surgical nursing practices.
• Perioperative Nurse Manager: A role involving the supervision and coordination of the entire perioperative team, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to protocols.
• Quality Improvement Specialist: A position focused on analyzing and implementing improvement measures to enhance patient outcomes and streamline processes within the surgical department.

The job role of Registered Nurse (RN) in the Operating Room in India is projected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a consistent increase in the demand for RNs in the operating room, with a positive outlook for the future as well. The healthcare sector in India is expanding rapidly, leading to a surge in the employment opportunities for RNs in the operating room. With advancements in medical technology and an aging population, the need for skilled RNs in this field is expected to continue to rise, making it a promising career choice.