Roles of the Perioperative Nurse
Perioperative nursing is a specialized
area of nursing practice. As a fundamental member of the surgical
team, the perioperative registered nurse works in collaboration
with other health care professionals which may include the surgeon,
circulating nurse, anesthesia provider, surgical assistant, and
other assistive personnel. The perioperative registered nurse
provides nursing care to surgical patients preoperatively, intra
operatively, and postoperatively.
The perioperative nurse plans and directs nursing care for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures. Perioperative RNs work in all types of health care facilities, such as hospitals, ambulatory or outpatient surgery centers, and physician offices.
There are several roles that the perioperative nurse fills to ensure quality patient care in the operating room.
Circulator Nurse
The circulator is responsible for managing the nursing care of the
patient within the OR and coordinating the needs of the surgical
team with other care providers necessary for completion of surgery.
The circulator nurse observes the surgery and the surgical team
from a broad perspective and assists the team to create and
maintain a safe and comfortable environment for the patient. The
circulator nurse assesses the patient's condition before, during,
and after the operation to ensure an optimal outcome for the
patient. Circulating during surgery is a perioperative nursing
function. The role of the circulator may not be delegated to a UAP,
Licensed Practice Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse.
In the operating room, most patients are anesthetized or sedated and are powerless to make decisions on their own behalf during the intraoperative phase. The circulating nurse serves as the patient advocate while the patient is least able to care for him or herself.
OR Director
The OR director manages the business of the facility's
ORs. The OR director oversees and is responsible for budgets,
staffing, supplies, scheduling, and other areas that keep the OR
running.
Scrub Nurse
The scrub nurse works directly with the surgeon within the sterile
field, passing instruments, sponges, and other items needed during
the procedure. Surgical team members who work within the sterile
field have scrubbed their hands and arms with special disinfecting
soap and generally wear surgical gowns, caps, eyewear, and gloves.
This is a nursing role that may be delegated to a UAP, LPN or
LVN.
Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)
The RNFA has gone through additional extensive education
and training to deliver surgical care. The RNFA directly assists
the surgeon by controlling bleeding, using instruments/medical
devices, handling and cutting tissue, and suturing during the
procedure. The RNFA may also be involved with patient care before
and after surgery.
Patient Educator
The perioperative RN educator works with the patient and assists
his or her family members in providing information to enable the
patient to make informed decisions regarding surgical care and
treatment.