Provided by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses
Special to NurseZone
Although television and movies usually portray perioperative nurses in the
operating room suited up in gown and mask assisting surgeons, the actual careers
of perioperative nurses are quite varied.
Registered nurses who specialize in surgical patient care can choose among
several career paths. AORN, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses,
believes that registered nurses, whether in the operating room or in the board
room, serve as advocates for surgical patients. They are relied upon for their
professional judgment and critical thinking skills.
Operating room nurses who provide direct patient care may work with the
patient, other health care professionals, family members, and caregivers in
planning, implementing and evaluating treatment. During surgery, the RN may
serve as the scrub nurse, passing instruments, sponges and other items; the RN
also may serve as the circulating nurse, managing the overall nursing care in
the OR—observing the surgical team from a broad perspective and assisting the
team in creating and maintaining a safe, comfortable environment.
OR directors manage the business aspect of the operating room. They oversee
and are responsible for budgets, staffing and other areas that keep the OR
running.
OR nurses who have undergone additional education and training may also serve
as RN first assistants, delivering direct surgical care, assisting the surgeon
by controlling bleeding, providing wound exposure and suturing during the actual
procedure. The RN first assistant also is involved with patient care before and
after surgery.
"RN First Assistants often serve in the same role that a secondary physician
would perform in a surgical procedure," said Beverly Mushett, RN, an independent
First Assistant in Sandusky, Ohio.
"Prior to surgery, the RN First Assistant may take a physical assessment of
the patient and provide patient education, giving the patient continuity of
care—before, during, and after surgery," Mushett said.
After surgery, the RN first assistant may write up orders, change dressings
and make rounds for the surgeon. As an independent RN First Assistant, Mushett
contracts with individual physicians to work in certain types of surgeries.
"I do my own billing, take a week off when I want to and work with the types
of surgeons I choose," she said.
Marlys A. Hoglan, RN, a clinical educator for Valleylab Inc. in St. Louis,
Missouri, was an OR nurse for 30 years before taking her current position
conducting educational seminars for nurses, technicians and physicians on the
principles of electrosurgery and fire safety.
"As educators, we contribute more to patient care by conducting workshops
than working one-on-one in the operating room," she said.
She added, "OR nurses who enter the world of business find a variety of
career options, including management consulting, interim management, clinical
education and medical sales."
AORN
is the professional organization of perioperative registered nurses that
supports registered nurses in achieving optimal outcomes for patients undergoing
operative and other invasive procedures. AORN is the global leader in promoting
excellence in perioperative nursing practice. AORN is composed of approximately
40,000 perioperative registered nurses in the United States and abroad.
Perioperative nurse are defined as "those who provide, manage, teach and study
the care of patients undergoing operative or other invasive procedures."
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