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Operating Room Nurse - Career Profile |
Career OverviewAn operating room nurse, more recently known as a Perioperative Registered Nurse is responsible for caring for patients before, during and after surgical procedures. They are responsible for answering patient questions as well as for developing and recording the various nursing interventions and supports used in the pre and post surgical care of the patient.
They may also be required to share information about the various procedures with the family including notifying the family of any modifications or changes in lifestyle that the patient will require for successful pre and post surgical care.
The Perioperative Registered Nurse does more than just care for the physical well-being of the patient, he or she also monitors the anxiety and stress level of the patient and coordinate the sharing of information between the patient, family and the medical team.
In addition the Perioperative Registered Nurse is assigned duties within the surgical room itself, either as a manager, direct treatment or surgery provider, or to provide communication between the various surgeons and other members of the surgical team.
To be a Perioperative Registered Nurse an individual must be able to work independently while following a procedure or protocol, have excellent problem solving and communication skills as well as empathy and understanding for both the patient and the family. The Perioperative Registered Nurse is the primary caregiver to the patient through this difficult and stressful time so a calm and composed disposition is essential.
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Career RequirementsAn operating room nurse must have a RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associates Degree in Nursing. A Perioperative Registered Nurse may also have a Hospital Diploma and extensive experience working in surgical settings and environments. Most Perioperative Registered Nurse have at least five years experience in general or medical surgical nursing as well as specialized training in surgical procedures.
Often Perioperative Registered Nurse need to work in very stressful and emotionally charged environments such as trauma centers and emergency rooms. These types of environments can be very difficult to work in and require someone with a strong sense of professionalism and an ability to make informed, rapid decisions while following orders and direction from doctors and other medical staff.
There are several Associations that work to provide membership and training to operating room nurses. These agencies include:
Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses
2170 South Parker Road, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80231-5711
1-800-755-2676
FAX: (303) 755-6300
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
101 Columbia, Suite 200
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949-362-2000
FAX: (949) 362-2020
Emergency Nurses Association
915 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016-6569
(847) 460-4000
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Job OutlookAs with all nursing jobs the need for Perioperative Registered Nurses in the future continues to increase. More and more surgeries are being performed every year in hospitals across the country. As the average age of the population increases the demand for surgical procedures will continue to increase.
According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery there was a 119% increase in the number of elective plastic surgeries since 1997. The total number of surgeries preformed by the University of Iowa Hospitals was 76,014, making it number one in volume of surgeries in the United States. The number ten ranked hospital in the country for surgeries was SW Texas Methodist Hospital (San Antonio) with a total of 36,104 surgeries per year.
With this volume of surgeries and the increase in the number of both elective and required surgeries the demand for Perioperative Registered Nurses will only increase.
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Career TrackOnce a Perioperative Registered Nurse has gained experience in patient care in a surgical environment there are several options open. Many of the nurses choose to specialize in one of the following areas:
- Cardiac surgery
- Oncology
- Ear, nose and throat (Otorhinolaryngology)
- Orthopedic
- General surgery
- Operating Room Management
- Cosmetic and plastic surgery
- Scrub nurse
- RN First Assistant
The possibilities for career specialization and advancement within the field of Perioperative Registered Nurse are very positive. Operating room nurses under the supervision of a doctor are completing more and more minor surgical procedures, and this has lead to an increase in the demand for qualified staff.
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CompensationOperating room nurses or Perioperative Registered Nurse make approximately the same amount of money as other nurses within a hospital. The average income for an experienced Perioperative Registered Nurse is between $50,000 and $58,000 per year plus bonuses of one to four percent. Managers and specialized Perioperative Registered Nurse may make up to $70,000 per year with extensive experience in the field.
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