A surgical nurse, also known as a perioperative nurse, is a registered nurse who specializes in providing care for patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. Surgical nurses work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive safe and effective care during surgery.

Surgical nurses perform a variety of tasks, which can include preparing patients for surgery, administering medications, monitoring patients’ vital signs, assisting with surgical procedures, and providing post-operative care. They are responsible for maintaining a sterile surgical environment and ensuring that all surgical equipment and instruments are properly sterilized and prepared for use.

There are several different types of surgical nurses, including:

• Scrub nurse: A scrub nurse works directly in the operating room, preparing and handing surgical instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Circulating nurse: A circulating nurse works outside the sterile field in the operating room, managing the overall care of the patient during surgery.
• RN first assistant: An RN first assistant is a registered nurse who has additional training in surgical procedures and assists the surgeon during the operation.

To become a surgical nurse, individuals must first become a registered nurse (RN) by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. After gaining some experience in general nursing, individuals can then specialize in surgical nursing by completing additional training and certification.

Certification for surgical nurses is available through organizations such as the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI). Certification requirements may vary, but typically include a certain number of hours of clinical experience in surgical nursing and the passing of a certification exam.

Surgical nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and outpatient clinics. They may also specialize in certain areas of surgery, such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, or orthopedic surgery.

Overall, surgical nurses play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive safe and effective care during surgical procedures. Their specialized training and expertise make them an essential part of the surgical team.