Surgical Nursing Overview

Surgical Nursing Overview

• A specialty of nursing that focuses on providing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care to patients undergoing surgical procedures
• Surgical nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics

Preoperative Care

• Assessing patient's medical history, medication, and allergies
• Preparing patient for surgery, including education on procedure and postoperative care
• Conducting physical assessments, including vital signs and lab results
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by the surgeon

Intraoperative Care

• Assisting the surgical team during the procedure
• Maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring proper surgical technique
• Monitoring patient's vital signs and providing anesthesia care
• Managing surgical equipment and supplies

Postoperative Care

• Assessing patient's recovery, including pain management and vital signs
• Providing wound care and dressing changes
• Monitoring for complications, such as bleeding, infection, and respiratory issues
• Educating patient and family on postoperative care and discharge instructions

Surgical Nursing Roles

• Circulating nurse: responsible for managing the surgical environment and equipment
• Scrub nurse: assists the surgeon during the procedure and maintains the sterile field
• Registered nurse first assistant (RNFA): assists the surgeon during the procedure and provides surgical site management

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and surgical procedures
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple patients
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with surgical equipment and technology

Specialized Surgical Nursing Areas

• Cardiovascular surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric surgery
• Transplant surgery

Surgical Nursing Overview

• Focuses on providing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care to patients undergoing surgical procedures
• Surgical nurses work in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics

Preoperative Care

• Involves assessing patients' medical history, medication, and allergies
• Prepares patients for surgery, including education on procedure and postoperative care
• Conducts physical assessments, including vital signs and lab results
• Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the surgeon

Intraoperative Care

• Assists the surgical team during the procedure
• Maintains a sterile environment and ensures proper surgical technique
• Monitors patients' vital signs and provides anesthesia care
• Manages surgical equipment and supplies

Postoperative Care

• Assesses patients' recovery, including pain management and vital signs
• Provides wound care and dressing changes
• Monitors for complications, such as bleeding, infection, and respiratory issues
• Educates patients and families on postoperative care and discharge instructions

Surgical Nursing Roles

• Circulating nurse: manages the surgical environment and equipment
• Scrub nurse: assists the surgeon during the procedure and maintains the sterile field
• Registered nurse first assistant (RNFA): assists the surgeon during the procedure and provides surgical site management

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and surgical procedures
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple patients
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with surgical equipment and technology

Specialized Surgical Nursing Areas

• Cardiovascular surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric surgery
• Transplant surgery